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

Naomi Osaka, a two-time champion in Australia, stopped playing because of a strained abdominal muscle after dropping the first set of her match against Tokyo Olympics gold medalist Belinda Bencic.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

FILE - Italy’s Jannik Sinner returns the ball to Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor during the Davis Cup final tennis match between Netherlands and Italy at the Martin Carpena Sports Hall in Malaga, southern Spain, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez, File)

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

On the steps of Margaret Court Arena, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz emerged in opposite halves, setting up the possibility of a first Grand Slam final duel for the matchup that defines tennis ...

When Carlos Alcaraz is on court for a training ... He's also got his young rival, Jannik Sinner, in mind. “The good thing for me is, when I’m seeing him winning titles, when I’m seeing ...