The tennis world is abuzz with the dominance of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who have left their peers in the dust this year. With an impressive 11 titles between them and a clean sweep of the Grand Slams for the second year running, these top-ranked players are in a league of their own. Alcaraz's back-to-back wins at Roland Garros and his second US Open title, coupled with Sinner's Australian Open defense and Wimbledon triumph, have solidified their status as the men to beat.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Despite their seemingly untouchable form, British tennis legend Tim Henman believes there's a player who could challenge their supremacy. And this is the part most people miss: it's not a rising star, but an established pro who Henman thinks has what it takes to close the gap.
Enter Taylor Fritz.
In a recent Netflix interview before the Six Kings Slam semifinals in Saudi Arabia, Henman named Fritz as the player most likely to threaten the 'new two'. He praised Fritz's work with coaches Paul Annacone and Mike Russell, highlighting the American's efficient serving and backcourt play. Henman suggested that Fritz's game could be elevated by adding an extra dimension, encouraging him to finish points at the net more frequently to complement his powerful groundstrokes.
So, what's the evidence for Henman's claim?
Well, Fritz has proven he can beat both Alcaraz and Sinner. At the Laver Cup, he secured a historic win over the six-time major champion, Alcaraz, earning two crucial points for Team World led by Andre Agassi. Against Sinner, Fritz triumphed in straight sets at the 2021 Indian Wells Open, showcasing his ability to match the Italian's game.
However, it's worth noting that Fritz has since lost four consecutive meetings with Sinner and trails Alcaraz 3-1 in their ATP head-to-head record.
So, is Henman's assessment accurate? Can Fritz truly challenge the 'new two'?
What do you think? Is Fritz the player to watch out for, or are there other contenders on the horizon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
