Jannik Sinner has dismissed suggestions that he can be compared to tennis legends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic, insisting he is still at the beginning of his career while the “Big Three” have achieved extraordinary feats.
The Italian world number two made the comments after his victory over Denmark’s Holger Rune at the Madrid Open, where he extended his winning streak in ATP Masters 1000 events to 24 matches.
Speaking to reporters following his 6-2, 6-3 triumph, Sinner was asked whether his recent dominance warranted inclusion in conversations about the sport’s all-time greats.
“compare myself with these names,” Sinner said. “They did so much stuff in their careers, I’m just at the beginning. They are at a different level.”
The 23-year-old acknowledged the achievements of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic while emphasizing his own focus remains on continuous improvement rather than historical comparisons.
“For me, I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to play as many matches as possible. But what they did is something else,” he added. “I just try to give everything I have in every match. If I win, good. If not, I tried my best, and I don’t have regrets.”
Sinner’s comments arrive amid a remarkable run of form that has seen him win four consecutive ATP Masters 1000 titles, including victories in Paris, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo.
His triumph at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March 2026 completed a historic achievement, making him only the third man in history to win all six hard-court ATP Masters 1000 events, joining Federer and Djokovic in that exclusive group.
According to ATP Tour records, Sinner captured his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto in 2023 before adding victories in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai in 2024. His Indian Wells win in March 2026 completed the set, followed by successes in Miami and Monte Carlo during the spring clay season.
The Italian’s 24-match winning streak in Masters 1000 events places him second on the all-time list, behind only Novak Djokovic’s 25-match run achieved during the 2016 season.
Despite his impressive statistics, Sinner maintains a grounded perspective on his place in tennis history.
“I never take things for granted,” he said when asked about his approach to competition. “I tried to stay calm and serve well in crucial moments. I think that was the key today.”
His victory over Rune in Madrid saw him move up to fourth place on the all-time list of consecutive match wins in ATP Masters tournaments, trailing only Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
Sinner’s refusal to engage in GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debates contrasts with the growing attention his performances have attracted from analysts and former players.
Many observers have noted the speed at which he has accumulated elite-level titles, achieving what took Federer and Djokovic over a decade in less than three years since his first Masters 1000 triumph.
The Italian’s consistent performances have also impacted the ATP rankings, where he has been pulling clear of injured rival Carlos Alcaraz in the race for the world number one position.
When questioned about his doubles partner Elmer Moller, whom he defeated in Madrid, Sinner offered praise for his compatriot’s effort.
“I spoke positive words for Moller after their battle,” Sinner noted. “I tried to stay calm and serve well in important moments.”
Looking ahead, Sinner’s immediate focus remains on maintaining his current form rather than contemplating historical legacy.
“What they did is something else,” he reiterated when discussing Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. “I just try to give everything I have in every match.”
His next scheduled appearance is at the Italian Open in Rome, where he will look to extend his winning streak further on the red clay that has traditionally posed challenges to his game.
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