Robredo’s Take on the Twins: Sinner Plays Like a Robot, Praises Alcaraz as a Magician

In a recent interview, former top-10 player and Spanish tennis icon Robredo provided a clever metaphor about the style differences between the two leading young players, Sinner and Alcaraz, which has stirred much debate in the tennis world.

Robredo noted in the interview that the technical level among top players is now very similar, and the true distinctions often come down to mental strength and inventiveness. He further described, “Sinner is like a robot, always making the perfect choice at the perfect moment. As for Carlos, he’s different; he starts the point the right way and then adds a magical touch.”

Discussions about the stylistic differences between these two rising stars are not uncommon, but from a subjective perspective, Robredo’s analogy truly captures the essence of both players’ core traits.

Sinner’s game is known for extreme efficiency, calm judgment, and near-error-free consistency, making it feel as if every point is meticulously calculated. He often finds the optimal solution in critical moments, earning him the nickname “tennis machine.” In contrast, Alcaraz embodies the Spanish tradition of heavy topspin and endurance but combines it with imaginative shot-making, frequently producing stunning “magical shots” during matches. This unpredictability and creativity often break deadlocks and ignite the court.

This comparison quickly sparked lively discussions on social media. Some fans agreed, saying, “Sinner’s consistency is terrifying; watching him play is like watching an algorithm run flawlessly.” Meanwhile, supporters of Alcaraz said, “Carlos’ matches are full of passion and surprises; you never know what incredible shot he’ll hit next.” However, others believe neither style is superior; rather, they represent different expressions of tennis’ beauty, together enriching the modern game.

Swiss legend Federer has indirectly commented on such stylistic differences, believing that modern tennis requires both precision and discipline as well as the ability to improvise: “Top players must find a balance between calmness and passion.” This statement can be seen as an endorsement of the coexistence of these two styles.

Serena Williams’ former coach, Mouratoglou, once remarked about Alcaraz: “He possesses court awareness and creativity beyond his years, allowing him to hit winners from any position.” Regarding Sinner, many analysts emphasize his strong mental toughness and tactical execution developed through rigorous training, which is the foundation of his calmness in crucial moments.

Nadal’s former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal, has also expressed appreciation for tennis diversity: “Tennis shouldn’t have just one style. The clash of different styles is what makes the sport fascinating.” This sentiment seems to echo Robredo’s description of the parallel existence of two very distinct approaches.

Robredo’s comments not only vividly portray the unique appeal of Sinner and Alcaraz but also provoke reflection on the essence of tennis — as technical skills converge at the highest level, mental strength and creative thinking may be the keys to reaching the pinnacle. Whether it’s the machine-like precision of Sinner or the magician-like flair of Alcaraz, both push tennis forward in their own ways, delivering high-level matches of contrasting styles to fans worldwide. This is precisely what makes competitive sports so captivating.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Lu Xiaotian)