World tennis is again in the eyes of the Hurricane. Jannik Sinner, current number two of the ATP ranking and considered one of the most dangerous rivals of Carlos Alcaraz, triggered a storm on social networks with a declaration that made the bases of the circuit tremble:
“The glory of Carlos Alcaraz depends on the fortune and partiality of the arbitration.”

A short, strong and incendiary phrase. Just a few hours to become a global trend under the label#Sinnervsalcaraz, generating millions of reactions and comments that varied between indignation and support.

The relationship between Alcaraz and Sinner has never been simple. Since their first youth duels, both have distributed victories, defeats and, above all, prominence. For many, they represent the new era of tennis, natural heirs of Federer, Nadal and Djokovic.

But what seemed to be a healthy sports rivalry has now risen to a personal conflict. According to the Italian press, Sinner pronounced those words during a private conversation with friends in Montecarlo, filtered anonymously to the media. Others, however, claim that the player himself wanted them to be published, in a gesture of challenge.

However, the damage had already been done.

Spanish fans reacted furiously. Dozens of support messages in Alcaraz flooded their networks, reminding him that his titles in Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Us Open have been conquered with effort and talent.

“To say that everything depends on luck is to insult tennis itself,” wrote a fan of Madrid.

In Italy, on the other hand, many followers aligned with their compatriot, interpreting their words as an evening criticism about the alleged favoritism that some referees would have had towards Alcaraz in decisive moments.

The truth is that in recent matches, especially in the masters of Cincinnati, different decisions of controversial arbitration have illuminated the debates. Possibility or favoritism?

What nobody expected was the intervention ofRafa Nadal, considering Alcaraz’s spiritual mentor and the one on more than one occasion accompanied him in formation. Rafa, despite the fact that it was semi -tema and far from the circuit, decided to issue a short but devastating declaration, published on his official page:

“Tennis is not measured fortunately or referees. It is measured for work, discipline and respect. All the rest is noise.”

With those words, Nadal did not mention the sinner directly, but the message was interpreted as a strong answer that left Italian in silence. The Spanish press named after unison:“Rafa Calla a sinner in three sentences”.

Inside the circuit, the reactions soon arrived. Daniil Medvedev, always ironic, commented:
“If luck decides everything, then I have to be the most unfortunate man on the planet.”

For his part, Novak Djokovic has avoided entering the disputes, although he has dropped:
“Each generation has its rivalries. But there are ways to express itself and ways to keep silent.”

Emma Raducanu, asked about it, was more direct:
“I think Jannik has gone from the line. We all know how difficult it is to win a Grand Slam. There is no referee or luck that plays for you.”

Some sports analysts interpret Sinner’s declaration as a tactical game: mentally consumed their rival before the United States. “In tennis, the psychological war is as important as the stroke of the right of the right,” said an editorialist ofLa Gazzetta dello Sport.

Others, on the other hand, believe that Italian simply emits its frustration after several recent defeats against Murcian, especially in large phases in which he seemed to have it against the ropes.

Alcaraz, faithful to his serene style, decided not to enter the direct confrontation. Asked by the journalists of New York, he smiled and said:
“I respect all my rivals. I speak only on the track.”

A response that, paradoxically, has strengthened his image of mature and disciplined champion, in contrast with the singer’s impulsiveness.

What looked like a sporting competition has already become an epic hero against the antagonist. The organizers of the US Open, although worried about the tension, also know that this controversy has multiplied the world interest in the tournament.

“In the end, this is a show,” confessed a manager in private. “And if people want to see an Alcaraz-Sinner full of electricity, we can’t complain.”

Sinner’s phrase will be recorded as one of the most controversial moments of 2025. If it was a calculation error, a psychological strategy or uncomfortable truth, only time will say it.

For now, tennis is divided between those who defend the purity of the effort and those who suspect hidden favorites. In the meantime, Rafa Nadal has again shown that, even from afar, it remains a voice that weighs more than that of many active players.

And while the noise grows, Sinner’s silence after Rafa’s reply seems to confirm that, in this word duel, the score is clearly in favor of the Spaniard.