Former world no. 12 Paolo Bertolucci has no doubts ahead of the final Major event of the season in New York. The Italian believes the US Open is heading toward a final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
The two young stars have established themselves as the standard-bearers of men's tennis in the previous two seasons, having won all seven Major titles since the start of 2024.
Their rivals continue to fall short against them when the stakes are highest. Per Bertolucci, even the rivals from the top leave the encounters against Carlos or Jannik with "broken bones."
Jannik Sinner is a Wimbledon champion 🇮🇹
The world No.1 defeats Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to win the 2025 Gentlemen's Singles Trophy 🏆#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/UMnwV4Fw78
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 13, 2025
Paolo understands that players like Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz and Holger Rune are all capable of embracing deep runs. However, the gap becomes clear when they face Sinner or Alcaraz.
Opponents walk away battered, as they often struggle to threaten the consistency and resilience of the world's finest duo. The Italian and the Spaniard have won the previous seven Major titles, with no intentions of slowing down.
They start the US Open as the top favorites ahead of Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton. If Jannik and Carlos perform at their best, we should see them in their fifth straight ATP final.
Jannik Sinner & Alcaraz, Roland Garros 2025© Stream screenshot
"It seems to me that the draw, which should lead to yet another final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, is well balanced. I do not see many pitfalls; it's still a two-week tournament, with certain obstacles, but largely within the reach of the world's top two players.
Jannik could face Alexander Zverev in the semi-final. Carlos would play against Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic or Holger Rune. They are high-profile names, but when they meet one of the two best players, they come out with "broken bones."
To beat them and make the match open, the rivals will have to present their A-game and hope Jannik and Carlos are not at 100%," Paolo Bertolucci said.
