Tennis News Roundup: Novak Djokovic says what he truly felt about Carlos Alcaraz vs Jannik Sinner showdown; Aryna Sabalenka & boyfriend Georgios share romantic moment in Maldives

Novak Djokovic is highly impressed by the level of tennis that Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz produced in the ATP Finals summit clash. Aryna Sabalenka has returned from her trip to the Maldives with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis.

Jimmy Connors reckons that someone needs to challenge Sinner and Alcaraz, whose rivalry is currently the biggest selling point on the men's circuit. Alcaraz says both he and Sinner keep trying to improve to stay a step ahead of the other. Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen makes Jessica Pegula laugh with his "sickos" comment.

On that note, let's look at the stories of the day:

#1. Novak Djokovic hails Carlos Alcaraz-Jannik Sinner's ATP Finals clash, wishes he attended

On November 16, Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4), 7-5 in the ATP Finals title clash in Turin. Novak Djokovic was supposed to play but withdrew at the last minute due to a shoulder injury.

However, the Serb has lauded the level of tennis demonstrated by the top two players and wished he were there to witness all the action. The 24-time Grand Slam winner told Eurosport (via @jannik_files on X):

"I watched the match, I watched the first set, now when they play it's become a tradition that the 1st set ends 7-6 in one way or another - with much tension, much intensity and an astronomical level. When they play, I wish I was there because the level is very high and their rivalry is a really positive thing for our sport, they're amazing. Jannik, in particular, what he's done indoor in the past few years is historic.”

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#2. Aryna Sabalenka shares Maldives photos with boyfriend Georgios Frangulis

Aryna Sabalenka has posted photos alongside her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, from their recent trip to the Maldives on Instagram. Some of the snaps showed the World No. 1 in a stylish green bikini, as she enjoyed her time on the breathtaking beaches.

The Belarusian ended her season at the WTA Finals in Riyadh, where she lost the title clash to Elena Rybakina in straight sets. However, Sabalenka finished as the year-end No. 1 for the second consecutive time.

Sharing the Maldives photo dump, she wrote:

“Just us @waldorfastoriamaldives for taking the best care of us and making paradise feel like home.”

In the comments section, Georgios wrote:

“Missing those days already.”

Via @arynasabalenka on Instagram

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#3. Jimmy Connors explains why Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner sell most of the tickets

Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Source: Getty

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have dominated the past two seasons, dividing the last eight Majors among themselves. No other ATP player, including Novak Djokovic, has been able to challenge the top two stars.

Former player Jimmy Connors has analyzed why the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry is financially important for tennis. Additionally, the American expressed hope that someone would step up and start beating the duo.

"Yeah, you need somebody else to step in there and challenge those two," Connors said on the 'Advantage Connors' podcast (6:38). "But on the other hand, it’s not their fault. I hate to go back and say it, but my one-time manager Bill Riordan always said that when you get to the finals, there are 126 losers, and then you and your opponent. He’s right." "Unless somebody steps up and challenges those guys, they’re going to keep dominating. Right now, nobody is there. The big events, the major matches, the ones on TV, the ones that draw the big crowds and sell the major tickets, are Alcaraz and Sinner," he added.

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#4. Carlos Alcaraz on him and Jannik Sinner pushing each other to their limits

Although Carlos Alcaraz leads the head-to-head against Jannik Sinner 10-6, their matches are incredibly close. However, Sinner has hardly lost to anyone except the Spaniard. On the other hand, Alcaraz has been beaten by unexpected opponents, such as David Goffin and Cameron Norrie.

During an interview with Marca, Alcaraz recently said:

"He's lost two or three matches in the last two years, and the vast majority of them have been against me. Jannik has to see and think about what he needs to improve to beat the player he hasn't been able to beat more often. It's logical and normal. I have lost to more players, but my focus is on trying to improve and do things so that the next time we face each other, I'll be a much better player."

The Spaniard was supposed to play the Davis Cup, but has withdrawn due to a right thigh injury.

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#5. Jessica Pegula laughs at Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen's "sickos" comment

Jessica Pegula's parents, Terry and Kim Pegula, own the Buffalo Bills in the NFL. On Sunday, the Bills defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44-32, as quarterback Josh Allen scored six touchdowns.

On Wednesday, the team's official Instagram account shared a clip of one of Allen's touchdowns along with a comment from September, when he highlighted how tough the team was. He said:

"This is a tough sport. It’s not for everybody. You’ve got to be a little sick to love this game. And we’ve got some sickos."

Jessica shared the reel on her Instagram stories and expressed her amusement via laughing emojis.

Pegula's Instagram Story featuring Allen's "sickos" quote and viral touchdown moment against the Buccaneers (Source: Instagram/jpegula)

Edited by Parag Jain