Sinner’s Dual Serve-Return Mastery Puts Pressure on Alcaraz for 2026

Despite finishing Year‑End No. 1, Alcaraz is being told his next gains lie in the opening shots.

Overview

Sinner ended 2025 leading the ATP in both service games won and return games won, a first since detailed tracking began in 1991.
He posted 713 holds in 775 service games (92%) and 247 breaks for a 32.63% return‑games‑won rate, edging Alcaraz on return metrics.
Patrick Mouratoglou said Sinner is No. 1 in serve+1 and return+1 and urged Alcaraz to focus on serve and return to set the tone in 2026.
Sinner beat Alcaraz 7‑6(4), 7‑5 in the Nitto ATP Finals title match, while Alcaraz still closed the season with the most wins (71), the most titles (8) and the year‑end top ranking.
Reports indicate the rivals are slated for an exhibition in Seoul on January 10, 2026, as debate continues over how long their two‑man hold on the sport will last.