Tennis is undergoing a seismic shift, and according to former ATP star Shuzo Matsuoka, it's all thanks to the electrifying play of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. But what exactly makes their game so revolutionary? Let's dive in.
Shuzo Matsuoka, a name synonymous with tennis passion in Japan, is more than just a former player. He's a celebrated sports commentator, television personality, and motivational speaker. His insights carry weight, especially considering his own impressive tennis career: a former World No. 46, an ATP Tour champion, and a Wimbledon quarter-finalist back in 1995. This year, in 2025, Matsuoka is experiencing the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin firsthand, a stark contrast to his previous commentary roles from a Japanese studio.
"At the moment I like [Carlos] Alcaraz and [Jannik] Sinner," Matsuoka shared with ATPTour.com in Turin. He emphasized his previous interactions with the rising stars, mentioning interviews at both the Australian Open and the US Open, highlighting their approachable and friendly demeanor.
But here's where it gets controversial... Matsuoka believes Alcaraz and Sinner are not just talented players; they're ushering in a completely new era of tennis. "Tennis has completely changed. Alcaraz and Sinner play a new tennis. Also the speaking, the way they act, it’s all new," he explains. This shift extends beyond the court, impacting their communication style and overall presence. He believes this 'new tennis' is a mental approach.
And this is the part most people miss... Matsuoka stresses the importance of adapting to this new paradigm, particularly in Japan. He sees a need to foster a new generation of players and a new style of tennis that mirrors the dynamism and innovation of Alcaraz and Sinner. He even admitted that he had to change his own speaking and acting style to adapt to this new generation of tennis stars.
Matsuoka, whose career boasts 145 tour-level wins, is in Turin commentating for UNEXT, a Japanese broadcaster. He's also documenting his experiences at the Nitto ATP Finals. He added, "I’m very excited. This is the first time I’ve been to the event... it is completely different. It’s like a show. The players, everybody, make it feel like the Finals."
Beyond the matches themselves, Matsuoka is keen to showcase the overall spectacle of the Nitto ATP Finals to his Japanese audience. He wants to convey the atmosphere, the food, and the entire experience. "I want to introduce how big the Nitto ATP Finals are and how tennis is improving [to people in Japan]," he stated. He hopes to apply these learnings to enhance the Japan Open, aiming to create a more exciting and engaging experience for fans.
Interestingly, Matsuoka's passions extend beyond tennis. He's a renowned motivational speaker, known for his encouraging videos, and has hosted a cooking show, Kuishinbo! Bansai, since 2000. His love for food, particularly Italian cuisine, is intertwined with his appreciation for social connection. "Eating is a passion and [relates to] how you feel," he said. "Italy has this feeling in the culture. The food, the water. When they eat, they eat, it is always with family, and that is a very good thing, I think. Not alone." He sees the communal aspect of Italian dining as a valuable lesson, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences with loved ones.
So, is Matsuoka right? Are Alcaraz and Sinner truly revolutionizing tennis, both on and off the court? Is this 'new tennis' a positive change for the sport, or does it sacrifice some of the traditional values? And how can nations like Japan adapt to this evolving landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
