Who can now challenge Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on clay? Riccardo Piatti has a clear answer

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have set the pace on the ATP Tour so far this season.

Alcaraz started 2024 with an impressive 16-match winning streak, picking up titles at both the Australian Open and Qatar Open along the way.

Sinner responded in style, completing the rare ‘Sunshine Double’ by claiming back-to-back titles in Indian Wells and Miami – a feat achieved by only seven others before him.

Now, as the Tour moves onto clay, both players will be looking to carry that momentum forward on a surface they’ve thrived on previously.

But could someone else step up to break their hold on this part of the season?

Riccardo Piatti sees Alexander Zverev as the main threat to Alcaraz and Sinner on clay

Riccardo Piatti, who has previously coached Novak Djokovic, spoke about the gap between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and the rest of the ATP Tour.

However, despite the gap, Piatti believes Zverev is the man to challenge Alcaraz and Sinner on clay.

“It was the same during Federer’s time,” Piatti told Corriere della Sera while speaking about points gap between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner and the rest of the ATP Tour.

“For me, the only one who can challenge those two on clay is Zverev.

“He’s a hard worker, but he never changes his mind: having his father as a coach is fine, he’s happy with it, but maybe having a coach who tells him something different wouldn’t hurt.

“On clay I also expect good things from [Lorenzo Musetti] who always plays well in Paris.”

Zverev is seeded third in Paris and will face Cristian Garin or Matteo Arnaldi in round two.

If Zverev gets through that match, Andrey Rublev would be waiting for him in round three.

How Alexander Zverev has thrived on clay courts

Alexander Zverev has built an impressive reputation on clay, which is no small feat for someone of his height.

He’s now reached the semi-finals three times and made it to the final once. His first appearance in a title match came at Roland-Garros in 2024.

Zverev had a strong run through that tournament, defeating Rafael Nadal, Holger Rune and Casper Ruud before facing Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

It was a closely contested match, with Zverev taking a two-sets-to-one lead before Alcaraz turned things around to win 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

Read more: