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Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner's budding bromance has been the talk of the town. Despite their fierce on-court rivalry, the two appear to be growing close to each other personally as well. However, Jack Sock isn't buying into the media narrative of their closeness.
On the latest episode of the Nothing Major podcast, John Isner was going through some fanmail. One of them asked the hosts about Alcaraz and Sinner's friendship, to which Sock took the lead in replying.
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's relationship was a focal point of their respective careers, and they grew incredibly close over time. Sock opined that fans are missing that dynamic now, and are projecting that narrative onto Alcaraz and Sinner.
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"I think Carlos would be more open to it based on his personality. I think Jannik seems very closed off to his bubble and to his people. I think tennis fans in general obviously loved the Roger-Rafa narrative and everything and they are good friends. I think because they're retired now and not around, people are feeling that so much that they're pushing this every tournament," Sock said.
Sock further explained that a cordial interaction doesn't necessarily indicate a close relationship. It could turn into that down the line given the nature of their rivalry, though for now he felt that their closeness is exaggerated.
"I feel like every week now on X you go on it's, 'Oh Carlos and Jannik, look at this interaction they had as they're passing by on the practice court'. Just because you dab somebody up and smile doesn't mean like you're really close friends. Maybe it turns into that over the years with the rivalry and everything but at the current moment I think it's being pushed way harder than reality," Sock added.
Sam Querrey didn't agree with Sock's take. He felt that there are enough parallels between Federer and Nadal's friendship as well as Alcaraz and Sinner's camaraderie.
"I think they're just as good of friends as Roger and Rafa were in their prime. Take them post tennis out. Like they were friends but I never saw them having dinner together or hanging out like in the lounge together. I feel like Sinner and Carlos are friends. They'll chat, they know they have this amazing rivalry. It is what it is. The exact same as Roger and Rafa," Querrey said.
Regardless of the nature of Alcaraz and Sinner's off-court relationship, the 2025 season marked a significant turning point in their on-court rivalry. All six of their meetings this year had a title on the line.
Alcaraz came out on top four times, while Sinner won twice. Fans won't have to wait too long to see them in action once again. The duo will begin the 2026 season by headlining an exhibition event.
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner to headline the Hyundai Card Super Match before the Australian Open 2026
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner will contest the Hyundai Card Super Match ahead of the 2026 Australian Open. The exhibition match will take place on January 10, in Incheon, South Korea.
Unlike most of their peers, Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner won't participate in any ATP events in the lead-up to the season's first Major. There's a lot on the line for both of them Down Under.
Sinner is bidding to claim his third successive title in Melbourne. Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is vying to complete the Career Grand Slam with a triumph at the Australian Open.
