Todd Woodbridge Amazed as Superstar Duo ‘Carve Their Own Path’ Towards Grand Slam Glory

Matt Trollope is a journalist for Tennis Australia, which has contributed this piece

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have jointly captured the last five grand slam titles. A sixth triumph would elevate them into an exclusive circle.

After a three-month hiatus from the tour, Sinner has returned looking fitter and stronger, demonstrating exceptional ball striking.

Alcaraz has showcased exceptional form on clay in 2025, clinching titles at the Monte Carlo and Rome Masters, propelling him back to the No. 2 spot in the world rankings.

Set to be the top two seeds at Roland Garros, Alcaraz and Sinner’s recent clash in the Rome final foreshadows an exciting face-off in Paris.

While they have yet to meet in a grand slam final, Australian tennis icon Todd Woodbridge believes that could very well change in Paris – potentially leading to one of the most eagerly anticipated matches in recent tennis history.

“What we’re witnessing in the lead-up to Roland Garros is that they’re establishing themselves apart from the competition,” Woodbridge remarked to ausopen.com.

“They’re starting to dominate [the grand slams] akin to how Roger and Rafa did, and how Rafa and Novak did previously.”

“As we approach the start of Roland Garros, the likelihood of any other player winning aside from those two seems highly improbable.”

If either Sinner or Alcaraz claims victory in Paris, it will mark the continuation of their dominance with six grand slam singles titles won between them.

This achievement would align them with the legendary pairs of players who’ve ruled men’s grand slam events during the Open Era. Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal began the trend with an unbroken sequence of 11 consecutive slam titles, initiating with Nadal’s victory at Roland Garros two decades ago and culminating with Federer’s triumph at the 2007 US Open.

Novak Djokovic halted that run with his maiden grand slam win at the 2008 Australian Open.

Stan Sport is the ultimate destination for grand slam tennis, providing viewers the opportunity to catch every match of the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Roland-Garros, and US Open

The Federer-Nadal duopoly, along with the times Nadal and Djokovic gathered consecutive major titles, epitomised the fierce rivalries of the ‘Big Three’ era, which generated immense fan interest.

While the Alcaraz-Sinner rivalry has yet to reach that level, Woodbridge believes their current successes and the way they push each other could have a similar impact.

“Both are competing at a standard I didn’t anticipate seeing after the Big Three era; I expected a downturn in performance post their time,” Woodbridge reflected. “Yet, surprisingly, it’s only gotten better.”

“Examining the history of rivalries, there’s often a player who has stepped up. We’ve seen Rafa, under Roger’s influence, enhancing his all-court game, transition play, and volleying skills, adapting to remain competitive. 

“In a similar way, Sinner is compelled by Alcaraz’s skill set to enhance his own game, particularly his transitions and volleying. Sinner, being taller, brings more power, and Alcaraz must counter that.”

“These two elevating each other’s performance is a unique occurrence, and it’s positive for the sport. It promises longevity for their rivalry.”

Threats in the draw

However, neither Alcaraz nor Sinner can take their victory in Paris for granted, given the strength of the competition.

Alexander Zverev came close to winning Roland Garros last year. Casper Ruud has emerged, securing his first Masters titles in Madrid, while Holger Rune toppled Alcaraz in the Barcelona final.

“But can they dethrone Sinner and Alcaraz?” Woodbridge questioned.

“Does De Minaur possess the necessary power to compete over five sets? Paul performed admirably in Rome, yet resembles De Minaur in style.”

“Ruud faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Sinner in Rome. Musetti showcases undeniable talent, yet he needs to successfully wear them down.”

“Zverev is the only player I believe has the ability to absorb their power, serving big enough to secure free points, and has been around long enough to deserve a grand slam title.”

“It’s difficult to envision Djokovic being a serious contender given his preparation, though it would be naïve to overlook his potential to challenge these champions.”

“If he were to clinch it, it would rank among the greatest grand slam victories of his career.”

Major forces

Alcaraz heads to Roland Garros and Wimbledon as the defending champion, while Sinner holds the previous three hardcourt major titles. Notably, no player outside of these two has claimed a grand slam title since Djokovic’s victory at the 2023 US Open, a span of 20 months.

Should Sinner triumph at Roland Garros, it would mark his third consecutive grand slam title, putting him in contention for both a non-calendar Grand Slam and a career Grand Slam.

Woodbridge expressed little astonishment at how swiftly the Italian regained form in Rome and believes Sinner is in an ideal position for a shot at his most significant claycourt honour.

“Tennis players often don’t receive adequate breaks to work on their fitness and game, to dedicate time to comprehensive training that truly enhances their skills,” remarked Woodbridge.

“Sinner’s comeback looks promising; he appears stronger and fitter. This break has been a boon for him.”

“He now has an excellent opportunity to solidify his status as one of the greats in grand slam history at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.”

“At this stage, the only player with the dynamic game capable of stopping Sinner is Alcaraz.”

Alcaraz has bested Sinner in their last four encounters, with his 7-6(5), 6-1 victory in the Rome final improving his overall record against Sinner to 7-4.

Heading into Paris, he boasts a remarkable 27 wins from his last 29 matches on clay and has reached five consecutive finals on this surface. Alcaraz currently holds titles at Roland Garros, Monte Carlo, and Rome – three of the sport’s premier claycourt championships – and over the past four seasons, he maintains an impressive 87.5 per cent victory rate on clay.

Despite Alcaraz’s impressive statistics, Woodbridge maintains that Sinner has gleaned crucial insights from their five-set battle last year during the semifinals at Court Philippe Chatrier.

“I believe it’s too close to call when determining the favourite,” he added.

“Alcaraz boasts the most consistent claycourt results, yet Sinner comes in with the advantage of being fresher.

Sinner was inches away from victory in last year’s semi at two sets to one up over Alcaraz. Given that experience, coupled with the different pressure on Alcaraz as the defending champion this year at Roland Garros, Sinner may have an edge.”