Monte Carlo Preview: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner begin two-man, two-month race back to Roland Garros

While the Australian Open got underway on a Sunday summer day in Melbourne, Saturday’s edition of Tennis Channel Live produced a little heat of its own.

Host Steve Weissman was joined by Lindsay Davenport, Jon Wertheim and Martina Navratilova. When it came time to discuss the best men’s player yet to win a major, finding common ground proved virtually impossible.

After a graphic showcasing the current six highest-ranked players seeking their first career major Down Under was shown, the panel begin rallying. It was clear from the beginning that the question was too open for intrepretation.

Navratilova first selected Zverev based on his body of work, then stated Sinner was the most likely from the group to win one. Davenport followed up by agreeing that the world No. 4 fits the bill for current level, but not when it comes to accomplishments. The three-time major singles winner would later discover just how much she considers whether a player had appeared in a Grand Slam final.

Sinner opened his 2024 season on Sunday by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in the first match on Rod Laver Arena.

Advertising

Wertheim asked, “Do we mean the player that’s best poised, best to break through?” and later, “Do we think he’s on the brink of breaking through?”

“You’re changing the narrative!” countered Davenport.

#JusticeForCasper might be the hashtag campaign to come out of the exchange. After Weissman noted that Casper Ruud—a three-time major finalist—wasn’t highlighted on the six-man graphic, Wertheim turned to his colleagues and wondered, “Do we really think of Casper?”

It was a hard no from Navratilova.

“If I’m playing well, I’m not gonna lose to Ruud. But if I’m playing well, I could still lose to Sinner or even Zverev.”

Tsitsipas has appeared in the semifinals at Melbourne Park in four of the past five years, advancing to his first final in 2023.

Advertising

Davenport brought up Stefanos Tsitsipas contesting two major finals and being a set away from getting across the line. Grigor Dimitrov, who has reached the semifinals at three different Grand Slam events, was the final contender put forth by Weissman.

“Never a final,” remarked Davenport.

That led Wertheim to proclaim, “Zverev’s your guy. He was serving for a major.”

“Listen,” Davenport began in shutting that suggestion down. “He’s not MY guy.”

“He’s a possible choice,” said Wertheim. “Big picture, we come to praise and not to bury. We’re talking about elite players.”

So just who is it then? We don’t have the definitive answer, but have listed some reminder notes that may or may not help with making your own call: