Philippoussis captivated by current generation of tennis stars

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been the leading lights in the men’s game in 2025, and now they’re locked in a compelling race for the year-end No.1 ranking.

It’s the latest chapter in the ‘Sincaraz’ rivalry, a boon for tennis as we adjust to the twilight of Novak Djokovic’s career and the retirements of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – and something that has captivated Australian tennis legend Mark Philippoussis.

“Every time that those two play against each other, I just feel like they’re incredible ambassadors for the sport and we’re lucky to have them,” Philippoussis said on this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast.

“To have two figures like that, that [are] incredible role [models] for the game of tennis is amazing.”

Alcaraz and Sinner have met in the last three finals at majors, with a potential rematch on the cards at the ATP Finals in Turin.

The battle for year-end No.1 has intensified following Alcaraz’ shock early exit from the Paris Masters this week.

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Described as “the biggest win of [his] career”, world No.34 Cameron Norrie recovered from a set down to upset top-ranked Alcaraz and advance to the third round, ended the Spaniard’s 17-match winning streak at Masters 1000 events.

The loss has opened the door for Sinner to reclaim top spot, which he lost after falling to Alcaraz in the US Open final.

Should Sinner claim the title this week in Paris, then defend his trophy in Turin, he could end a second consecutive season at world No.1.

Meanwhile, Philippoussis – who played his last professional match in 2015 – has remained close to the game through his time coaching Stefanos Tsitsipas from 2022 to 2023.

“I was travelling with Tsitsipas and I enjoyed my time with him. I think the connection of that Greek background that I have, I speak Greek so I was able to communicate with him in Greek,” Philippoussis said on The Sit-Down.

“It was an incredible experience to be honest. Very stressful. A lot easier playing than coaching where you can control what you’re doing.

“Your goal is just to get them ready as much as possible on the practice court, warming up for the match and prepare as much as I can, so they can step out and do what they have to do.”

The 1998 US Open and 2003 Wimbledon finalist, also a big follower of the women’s tour, shared his excitement about the current crop of players.

“I feel like the tennis has just been incredible from the women. They’ve taken it to another level,” Philippoussis observed.

“The power that these players have, and Sabalenka, she’s been dominating it, and I think… her hitting speed’s higher than the men’s, I think it was at the US Open, which is incredible.

“I’ve been enjoying watching both [men and women]. They’ve had some good matches lately and it’s been great to watch.”

At last year’s US Open, Sabalenka’s average topspin forehand speed was 129km/h, outpacing Alcaraz (127km/h), Sinner (126km/h), and Djokovic (122km/h).

Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina will compete at the WTA Tour Finals in Riyadh from 1-8 November.

Listen to the full episode of The Sit-Down, a weekly podcast released each Monday featuring an in-depth interview with a notable tennis identity. Subscribe to The Sit-Down in your favourite podcast player.

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