Jannik Sinner has not lost a match in 2024, but the Italian has played down suggestions that he is "the one to beat" on the ATP Tour at the moment.
The 22-year-old's unbeaten run stands at 15, having won 12 consecutive matches this season after securing his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and clinching the Rotterdam Open trophy on Sunday.
He also emerged victorious in three matches, contributing to Italy's 2023 Davis Cup triumph. His only defeats in his last 35 matches occurred against Ben Shelton at the Japan Open in October and Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in November.
Despite his undoubtedly invincible form, Sinner remained grounded when asked if he is currently the player to beat in men's tennis.
“The one to beat - is a big statement. I’m No. 4 in the world for the moment,” he told Vanity Fair Italia before Sunday’s Rotterdam Open final.
“It’s certainly a good result, but now I still have to work, prepare for everything, because by now my opponents know me well, even my weaknesses. I’m one of those to beat, let’s say.”
Asked about the other players who are “ones to beat”, he replied: “[Alexander] Zverev and [Daniil] Medvedev are playing very well. Carlos [Alcaraz] has already won two Slams and is two years younger than me. And then there is Nole [Novak Djokovic]. Nole is Nole.”
Italian great Nicola Pietrangeli described Sinner as a “complete tennis player” adding that he “has no weak points at the moment” following his title run at the season-opening Grand Slam at Melbourne Park.
But the rising star is refusing to get too far ahead of himself as he highlighted areas where he can improve.
“I can handle certain moments of difficulty even better, there is still a lot I can learn from my mistakes,” he said. “I’m playing well now, but slightly more difficult moments will come: it’s important to work now to face them prepared.”
Sinner climbed to No 3 in the world after his Rotterdam title to become the highest-ranked Italian men’s player in history.
As for predictions that he will rise to No 1 in the ATP Rankings at some point, he replied: “The future cannot be predicted. It is certainly a dream and we are working to get as close as possible.”
