Sublime Sinner sends message - be sure Alcaraz heard it

Sporting Life Rohit Brijnath Assistant Sports Editor There is nothing about Jannik Sinner, a shy, willowy fellow with no discernible muscle, which makes you think of pugilists.

- Rohit Brijnath

Except when he starts to hit and turns rivals into wincing punching bags. He hits with a fluent aggressiveness from every side and any angle, moving as if his sneakers are greased while absorbing every blow.

He hits fiercely yet good-naturedly and because there's no villainous bone in him even the New Yorkers cheered him on Sunday. He hits till you tire and have nothing in return and an awkward truth emerges as it did for Taylor Fritz. You're just not at his level.

"He is much faster (than before)," said a generous Fritz after the US Open final which he lost 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. "He's such an amazing ball striker." The fellow who gave out the trophy would concur. Sinner has a master's degree in making the tennis ball speak a tough language, Andre Agassi had a few PhDs.

It's September, the Grand Slam season has ended, and if you love tennis then you're grinning. Because the story of the year is clear: In the red corner is Sinner (Australian and US Open winner). In the blue corner is Carlos Alcaraz (French Open and Wimbledon champion). Respectfully pick a side. Because in 2024 the bell for a title fight which may take 10 years to conclude has clearly rung.