Legendary coach Rick Macci has told Tennis365 why he does not think any current ATP Tour players will reach the same level as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
Alcaraz and Sinner have been the two dominant forces in men’s tennis since the start of 2024, with the pair having each secured five of the last 11 Grand Slam titles since Novak Djokovic won his 24th and most recent major at the 2023 US Open.
In 2026, Alcaraz and Sinner have triumphed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon respectively, while Alexander Zverev claimed his maiden Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
Alcaraz has seven Grand Slam titles to his name, while Sinner is a five-time major champion.
Rafael Jodar and Joao Fonseca are two rising ATP Tour stars who have been identified as potential long-term challengers to Alcaraz and Sinner.
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In an exclusive interview, Tennis365 asked Macci if he feels Fonseca and Jodar will compete with Alcaraz and Sinner in the future.
The American suggested that the duo can reach the top five, but went on to break down why he believes Sinner and Alcaraz will remain a cut above the competition.
“Fonseca can definitely be in the mix,” said Macci. “A lot of those guys are going to go into the top five because they’re so young.
“But, the way Sinner plays – he has firepower off both sides, and he can produce quality off of quality. He’s hitting the ball 80 miles an hour eight times in a row, and holding the baseline.
“And his mind’s made of granite — that’s why he’s number one on the planet! He has the most important thing, he doesn’t have all the motor skills like Carlos.
“Alcaraz, he checks every box. The only time he gets in trouble is when he has too many options. But what a good situation… his toughest opponent, a lot of times, is in the mirror. It’s not the other guy.
“So, these other guys can make a cameo and be top five, but no one that I see right now is going to be in that mix [with Alcaraz and Sinner], because they still have a few things not like them — whether it be a little different movement, or maybe not as strong at this or that.
“Whereas, Alcaraz checks every box, and the way Sinner plays, especially in 2026, you can’t penetrate the guy on any surface.”
Macci has coached five players who went on to become world No 1: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Maria Sharapova and Andy Roddick.
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