About two hours before his team opened its season series with the New York Yankees, Boston manager Alex Cora was asked to describe the state of the Red Sox.

Alcaraz and Sinner's first meeting in a Grand Slam final extends the self-perpetuating excellence that is lifting them above everybody else.

The Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz final represents the first Grand Slam title clash between these rising stars. Having shared the last five major titles—Alcaraz with four, Sinner with one—their growing rivalry is fast emerging as a defining force in the future of tennis.