Jannik Sinner Weighs in on Comparisons and Madrid Hopes

Jannik Sinner, at the age of 22, is navigating the complexities of comparisons with his fellow tennis elites while setting his sights on success at the Madrid Open. With Novak Djokovic’s absence from the tournament, Sinner, currently ranked number two in the world, faces heightened expectations and an opportunity to inch closer to the coveted top spot.

Despite the buzz surrounding his potential ascent in the rankings, Sinner remains grounded, dismissing notions that he is the best player in the world at the moment. He emphasizes the individual paths he and his top-tier counterparts, Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, have taken, urging against direct comparisons based solely on current performance.

Tennis Full Results | Schedule

“It’s a tough question to answer,” Sinner reflects during a press conference in Madrid. “We always see only this moment, and I think that sometimes it’s good but also not good. I still believe that you cannot compare myself with Novak with all that he has done. And the same goes for Carlos. Also, Carlos won more than me.”

Acknowledging the achievements of Djokovic and Alcaraz, Sinner maintains a respectful stance, focusing on honing his game and maximizing his potential. He underscores the importance of understanding his strengths and striving for personal growth on the court.

“I have a lot of respect for both of them,” Sinner affirms. “I just try to play my game, trying to understand what works best for me and then we see what I can achieve.”

Sinner’s journey in Madrid holds significance as he aims to surpass previous performance records at the Caja Magica. Despite past struggles at the tournament, the Italian is determined to make his mark this time around, especially as the top seed in Djokovic’s absence.

“I used to struggle quite a lot in the previous years, finding my level here,” Sinner reflects. “So it’s going to be interesting to see how I’m going to play this year.”

As Sinner focuses on his Madrid campaign, his Spanish counterpart, Carlos Alcaraz, offers high praise for his rival’s current form. Alcaraz, the two-time defending champion in Madrid, recognizes Sinner’s formidable skills and acknowledges the challenge of thwarting his rise to the top.

“He’s dangerous, he’s really dangerous. He’s the best player in the world right now,” Alcaraz declares, highlighting Sinner’s versatility and ability to excel on different surfaces.

Alcaraz’s return to competition after a right arm injury adds an additional layer of intrigue to the Madrid Open. Despite the setback, Alcaraz is determined to face his opponents head-on, aiming for peak performance in his upcoming matches.

On the eve of the tournament, Alcaraz’s nerves were palpable as he presented an award at the Laureus World Sports Awards. Despite his discomfort, he delivered an impressive speech, showcasing his determination to excel both on and off the court.

Meanwhile, world number four Daniil Medvedev grapples with the aftermath of his recent on-court outbursts, vowing to maintain composure in the face of officiating challenges. Medvedev’s self-awareness and commitment to improvement reflect the ongoing evolution of his mental fortitude on clay courts.

As the Madrid Open unfolds, the narratives of Sinner, Alcaraz, and Medvedev intersect, each player navigating their unique journeys while striving for success in one of tennis’s premier events.