Carlos Alcaraz took a swipe at Jannik Sinner’s pale complexion when describing Christmas gifts he would buy for his tennis rivals. The Spaniard has enjoyed a majorly successful 2025 season, winning the French and US Open titles and ending the year as world No. 1 in tennis.
Alcaraz’s familiar foe Sinner claimed the other two major titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon. However, the 22-year-old had a trick up his sleeve for the Italian tennis star when asked what he’d buy his rivals for Christmas. Making a dig at Sinner’s pale skin, Alcaraz told tennis.com: “I would give Sinner a pair of ski boots and sunscreen for his skin.”
Sinner wasn’t the only one Alcaraz thought of when playing the role of Santa Clause. He also had Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in mind when picking out some presents.
The Spaniard added: “[I’d give] a good Iberian ham from Spain to Djokovic; and a few good bottles of wine to Nadal.”
Alcaraz will probably stick to tennis over gift-giving as he prepares for yet another big tennis season in 2026. However, he will be taking on this new year without a reliable face by his side in the stands.
The 22-year-old parted ways with longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero in a move that has shocked the tennis world. Alcaraz is yet to give a reason for the split but thanked Ferrero for his services in a poignant statement.
Alcaraz said: “Thank you for turning childhood dreams into realities. We started this journey when I was barely a kid, and throughout all this time you’ve accompanied me on an incredible journey, on and off the court.
“I’ve enjoyed every step of it so much with you.”
Responding to the Spaniard’s statement, Ferrero said: “I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”