Rune: Sincaraz Slam Dominance is Boring
By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, March 19, 2026
Photo credit: Tony Chang/Chang Photography
Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have combined to claim the last nine consecutive Grand Slam championships.
Tennis needs a true third contender to crash the major party or predictable Sincaraz success makes the sport “boring,” says Holger Rune.
Rune, who surprised Alcaraz in the 2024 Barcelona final on red clay, told Tales from Tennis, the New Two need a consistent third challenger or the results are monotonous.
“With Alcaraz and Sinner reaching the finals and winning everything, tennis has become boring,” Rune told Tales From Tennis. “I think we need more guys to challenge them, not just in a tournament, but constantly.”
So who could emerge as the true third contender to shatter Sincaraz Slam dominance?
Brazilian phenom Joao Fonseca, who failed to convert set points in a two tiebreaker loss to Sinner in Indian Wells? Big-serving lefty Ben Shelton? Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik, who owns a win over Sinner this season? Stylish Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who has been slowed by injury issues? Flashy Frenchman Arthur Fils, who has been magnificent in his comeback season save for a Doha final thrashing at Alcaraz’s hands?
Rune, who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon, says the true challenger is the man in the mirror.
“I know I can compete one-on-one with Sinner and Alcaraz, and every time I go out on court against them, I know I have a chance to beat them,” said Rune, who is 2-3 lifetime vs. Sinner and has split four meetings vs. world No. 1 Alcaraz. “I know they both feel uncomfortable when they play against me and that gives me extra motivation.”
The 22-year-old Rune, who lost to Sinner in the 2025 Australian Open round of 16, has been busy rehabbing his injury.
On October 19th, Rune was leading Ugo Humbert 6-4, 2-2 when he ruptured his Achilles tendon in the Stockholm semifinals. A tearful Rune retired from the match and underwent surgery last October.
Last week, Rune shared images and video of his training. Now in his 21st week since surgery, Rune is showing remarkable improvement from what is widely regarded as a challenging surgery.
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