Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have witnessed their dominance of men’s tennis fade somewhat amid difficult periods with injury.
Both Sinner and Alcaraz have still managed to each claim a Grand Slam title in 2026, but Alexander Zverev has clinched two.
The Italian was just ruled out of the US Open with a knee injury, while the Spaniard missed Wimbledon and the French Open with a wrist problem.
How would you solve the tennis injury crisis?
Their recent absences have now been analyzed by tennis legend Rafael Nadal, who has played down any major concerns regarding the two ATP superstars.
Rafael Nadal insists Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are doing well amid injury issues
When asked to evaluate what Sinner and Alcaraz are experiencing, Nadal told Sky Sports Italy at the Spanish Grand Prix: “I think it’s normal, due to the fact that professional athletes have such a high physical demand.
“After two or three years of such a high level of physical exertion, injuries can happen; they must be anticipated.
“We’ll see how they both develop, but it seems to me that they’re doing very well.”
While Sinner missed the US Open, Alcaraz was able to return from an absence of over four months, and he really impressed before falling at the quarterfinal stage.
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Meanwhile, Nadal certainly had his fair share of injuries throughout his glittering career, during which he claimed 22 Grand Slam titles and reached the world number one ranking.
When will Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz play next on the ATP Tour?
It remains to be seen how fit Alcaraz is after his lengthy stay in New York, but he is planning on a return to action imminently.
The Spanish superstar will be part of Team Europe at the Laver Cup, which takes place in London later this month.
Shortly after that, Alcaraz is expected to participate in the Japan Open, an ATP 500 tournament taking place in Tokyo.
| Jannik Sinner | Carlos Alcaraz | |
| 1 | Current rank | 3 |
| 6 | Titles | 2 |
| 44-3 | Win-loss | 26-4 |
| $11,559,501 | Prize money | $5,145,354 |
At the same time in the men’s tennis calendar, Sinner plans to play in the China Open in Beijing, another ATP 500 event.
His last appearance came back in mid-July, when the Italian star defeated Zverev in the final of Wimbledon.
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