Kolisi Draws Parallels Between Rugby Triumphs and Tennis Rivalries
In Turin's vibrant sports scene, Siya Kolisi reflects on the mental fortitude driving Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner toward a defining Nitto ATP Finals showdown.
Turin buzzed with the thrill of dual victories on Saturday, as Siya Kolisi guided South Africa's Springboks to a decisive 32-14 win over Italy at Allianz Stadium. The two-time Rugby World Cup captain then shifted to Inalpi Arena, where Jannik Sinner dispatched Alex de Minaur to secure his spot in the Nitto ATP Finals championship match. Hours later, Carlos Alcaraz powered past Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-2, 6-4, setting up their sixth head-to-head clash of 2025 and amplifying the stakes in a rivalry that has defined the season.
Rivalry tests mental resilience under pressure
The indoor hardcourt at Inalpi Arena suits Sinner's precise baseline game, where he redirects pace with crosscourt forehands to keep opponents pinned. Alcaraz, however, thrives on explosive inside-out shots and aggressive one–two combinations that turn defense into sudden attacks, a style that neutralized Auger-Aliassime's deep returns and underspin approaches. As both chase year-end No. 1 status amid a grueling schedule of injuries and surface shifts, the final demands quick resets after every point, much like the tactical adjustments in a rugby match.
Kolisi, a dedicated tennis follower, captured the buildup's intensity. He first met Alcaraz earlier in the week, their encounter sparking visible enthusiasm that bridged rugby's physical demands with tennis's cerebral edge.
“I’m very excited. I think it’s huge,” Kolisi said ahead of Sunday’s final at 6 p.m. CET. “Obviously, Sinner has home advantage here. He’s from here, but I don’t think that’s going to play on Alcaraz’s mind because he is such a powerful player and he showed tonight what he is capable of. It will be great.”
WILD @SiyaKolisi reaction to meeting @carlosalcaraz for the first time #NittoATPFinals | #Kolisi pic.twitter.com/mfRBoSdLtV
— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 15, 2025
Cross-sport friendships highlight shared mindsets
Kolisi's trip to the tournament stemmed from his online rapport with Auger-Aliassime, evolving into a courtside meeting after the semifinal. He praised the Canadian's grit, noting how deep underspin and down-the-line passes kept rallies competitive despite Alcaraz's dominance. This connection underscores Kolisi's broader ties to tennis, including a deep bond with Roger Federer forged during the Swiss player's support for the Springboks in the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Their collaboration through the Roger Federer Foundation has strengthened mutual admiration, with Kolisi drawing on Federer's insights into competition. He echoed the former No. 1's emphasis on compartmentalizing points to maintain momentum, a philosophy vital for Alcaraz and Sinner as they navigate the final's emotional swings and crowd energy.
“I’ve learned from listening to Roger Federer speak,” Kolisi shared. “When you lose a point, you must forget it and move onto the next one. He says he has lost many points, but he’s won [so many] matches. It’s the ability to move on. You lose a point and then you change your mindset to win the next one. Also when you win one, you can’t dwell on it. Just move onto the next one. This mindset is so strong and powerful.”
“It was the first time I’ve seen Carlos play live and also the first time I’ve seen Felix play live,” the 32-year-old added after the match. “I came to the tournament because of Felix. [He and I] have been talking on social media and supporting each other. We already planned on meeting, and this was the opportunity to meet. [The match] was good. It was tough. Alcaraz was very powerful today, but you can’t take away from the effort of Felix as well. Alcaraz deserved the match, but Felix will get up again.”
Lessons from victory shape the final's edge
Kolisi's own successes in the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups mirror the resilience Alcaraz and Sinner must summon, especially with Sinner's home crowd adding fervor to his slice backhands and inside-in forehands. Alcaraz's athleticism allows him to stretch the court with down-the-line winners, countering any momentum shifts on the faster surface. As the Italian's precision meets the Spaniard's power, the match will hinge on who best channels pressure into focused play, echoing the universal rhythm of elite sport.
Though Kolisi admits his tennis skills fall short—“I’ve tried to play tennis, but I suck”—he dreams of joining Federer for a charity event, a lighthearted nod to the sport's allure. With Turin as the backdrop, this final promises to etch another layer into their saga, where mental resets and tactical pivots decide not just the trophy, but the season's lasting narrative.
