US Open 2024: Jannik Sinner says title ‘means so much’ after ‘very difficult’ build-up

This is the first year since 2002 that one of the ‘Big Four’ – Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray – have not won a Grand Slam title.

Instead, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have stolen the limelight, sharing the four majors in 2024 and leading the way for tennis’ next generation of men’s singles players.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli told Sky Sports she believes the pair could “win 15 to 18 Grand Slams each”.

“It’s extraordinary how this happens time and time again where you worry where the future of the game is going to go,” former British number one Annabel Croft told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“The future is in such safe hands with Carlos and Jannik.”

French Open and Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, 21, is one of only four players who have been able to beat Sinner so far in 2024.

However, Sinner has won 55 of his 60 matches this season and claimed six titles – twice as many as Alcaraz.

The Spaniard, who suffered a surprise second-round exit in New York, congratulated Sinner on his latest victory on Instagram, adding: “You deserve it”.

Sinner said it is “nice to see” new champions like himself and Alcaraz emerging in the sport.

“I feel like the new generation, we push each other,” he told ESPN.

“I always have players who are going to make me a better player, because there are going to be times where they beat me.

“Then you have to try to find a way how to win against certain players.”