Carlos Alcaraz v Jannik Sinner: The rivalry men's tennis desperately needs

On Saturday night in the Californian desert, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played out the eighth instalment of their burgeoning rivalry. Once again, it did not disappoint.

The two hottest young stars on the ATP Tour, 20-year-old world No 2 Alcaraz pulled level in his head-to-head with 22-year-old Sinner, the world No 3, with an exhilarating fightback, securing a 1-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory to advance to the Indian Wells Masters final, where he meets world No 4 Daniil Medvedev on Sunday.

Amid Sinner's remarkable start to the season that saw the Italian go 16 matches unbeaten and clinch his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, Alcaraz has had a comparatively subdued first few months of the year. Yet, his return to form at Indian Wells, where he is the defending champion, has provided a jolting reminder of his world-class pedigree.

Still, regardless of form and circumstances, this match-up brings out the best in both players and delivers fireworks on the court every time. Saturday night was no different, and after two hours and five minutes of another breathless encounter, there is no argument as to the defining rivalry in men's tennis at present.

It is defined not only by its competitiveness but by the spectacle; each match is like a rollercoaster, taking fans on a thrill-seeking ride until an eventual match point brings it to a shuddering end. It means Alcaraz-Sinner matches have simply become unmissable.

“This makes things really fun, no?” Sinner said. “Maybe there is one day where one of us wins three, four times in a row. Then the opponent or the other one has to try to adjust a little bit, trying completely new things.

“Maybe it goes completely wrong, that you lose 6-1, 6-1, or whatever. But I think