The two best men's players in the world are reconfiguring the sport before their opponents' eyes. They don't know what to do about it

Ukraine’s 30-year-old Elina Svitolina, the wife of celebrated Frenchman Gael Monfils and mother to their two-year-old daughter, Skai, reached the final eight in Melbourne for the first time in six years – “a lifetime ago” – by beating Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1. As always, she refused to shake the hand of a Russian opponent.

Carlos Alcaraz was in fine form as he cruised to a first-round win at the Australian Open, but it was his comments on Jannik Sinner which drew attention.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are among the top Australian Open favorites. Two youngsters conquered all four Major titles in 2024, and they want more in the new season! Jannik and Carlos shared the same side of the court during Sunday's practice session.

Carlos thinks about Jannik every time he practices, targeting further improvements for their upcoming encounters. Alcaraz also uses Sinner's titles and incredible success in the previous season to practice even harder and seek the extra gear that can make the difference.

Carlos Alcaraz has confessed that Jannik Sinner lives “in his head” when practising. The young champions have already formed an exciting rivalry and split the Grand Slams between them last year. They could now take it to the next level at the Australian Open, where they are on a collision course for their first Major final showdown.

Carlos Alcaraz apologised to Jannik Sinner after criticising the world No.1 following his opening-round win at the Australian Open. Alcaraz looked at his very best in the straight sets victory against Alexander Shevchenko, taking the game 6-1, 7-5, 6-1

The top-ranked Sinner, who is the defending champion at Melbourne Park, and No. 3 Alcaraz are coming off a 2024 season in which they each won two Grand Slam titles.

Jannik Sinner was trying to "battle test" some new shots in his win over Marcos Giron because Carlos Alcaraz "still has an extra gear" - believes Jim Courier.

“He knows that his bad days are better than anyone else’s bad days, including Carlos Alcaraz. I think he’s realised that his best day is not as good as Alcaraz’s best day because Alcaraz has so many options.

The men’s singles draw is highlighted by the third seed Alcaraz and seventh seed Djokovic in a blockbuster matchup. They met last year in the Wimbledon final (won by Alcaraz) and Olympic final (won by Djokovic).