Rosset Critiques Rivals as Sinner and Alcaraz Dominate
Former world No. 9 Marc Rosset has pointedly remarked that key contenders for Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz aren’t showing the consistency needed to compete at the Grand Slam level. As the reigning champions, Sinner and Alcaraz have taken the tennis world by storm in 2024, clinching all four major titles and a host of other prestigious events.
Sinner, the Italian powerhouse, has secured victories at both the Australian and US Opens, alongside Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai. Alcaraz, on the other hand, achieved the coveted ‘Channel Slam’ this summer, dominating the French Open and Wimbledon while also shining in tournaments like Indian Wells and Beijing.
With the era of the ‘Big 3’ winding down, many anticipated that younger players would seize more opportunities at major championships. However, the remarkable performances of Sinner and Alcaraz have cast doubt on that narrative. In an interview with L’Equipe, Rosset expressed his disappointment with competitors such as Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, emphasizing their lack of consistency at the Grand Slam events.
“Back when Roger Federer dominated the rankings, the top 10 rarely changed,” Rosset reflected. “Players like Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Cilic, and Wawrinka consistently delivered at the Grand Slams. A player ranked eighth could secure a spot in the top 10 simply by reaching the quarter-finals.”
Now, Rosset notes, the situation is starkly different. “When I look at the current rankings, beyond the top five, there’s a notable inconsistency at Grand Slams that prevents these players from making a lasting impact. Taylor Fritz is there for his US Open final, but Andrey Rublev plays extensively yet falters in the majors. Casper Ruud is having an average season.”
He continued to critique the current state of affairs: “Tsitsipas shines at times but falters in the early rounds, like his second-round exit at Wimbledon. It’s far too erratic. Players like Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe have inconsistent performances, while Lorenzo Musetti can win tournaments but often fails to capitalize. And Felix Auger-Aliassime? I wonder how he remains relevant when he can lose to lower-ranked players unexpectedly.”
As Sinner and Alcaraz stand atop the ATP rankings, with Sinner already locking in the year-end No. 1 position, the competition for the ATP Finals in Turin intensifies. The closest contender, Alexander Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 and the runner-up at the French Open, has yet to claim his first Grand Slam title in 2024.
Meanwhile, Ruud, Rublev, and Tsitsipas find themselves in a fierce contest for a coveted spot at the ATP Finals, a race that may be hindered by their struggles at the majors. The landscape of men’s tennis is shifting, but whether these players can rise to the occasion remains to be seen.