Is Jannik Sinner playing at a better level than Novak Djokovic did during his prime?
This question was recently raised by tennis legend Mats Wilander, who sparked a fierce debate in the tennis world when he suggested that Sinner, along with his young rival Carlos Alcaraz, might already be playing tennis at a level above that of the so-called ‘Big 3’—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—during their primes. Considering that the Big 3 collectively boast an unprecedented 66 Grand Slam titles between them, such a bold assertion is bound to raise eyebrows. However, this claim is not just speculative, as it has now been supported by current top-ten players, including American Taylor Fritz and Norwegian Casper Ruud, who both offered their insights into the rising generation of tennis stars.
Taylor Fritz was one of the first to echo Wilander’s sentiments, discussing the remarkable skills of Sinner and Alcaraz, particularly their defense and offensive play. Speaking to the Tennis Channel, Fritz described how both Sinner and Alcaraz operate at a different level compared to the Big 3. He pointed out that their ability to turn defense into offense is unparalleled, which makes them incredibly difficult to play against.
“One thing both of those guys do is… their defense is incredible,” Fritz said. “They don’t really play that much defense. When they are full on the run out in the corners, they just crush the ball.”
This, according to Fritz, is a key difference between them and the likes of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, who were known for grinding out long baseline rallies. Fritz continued, explaining that when he faces either Sinner or Alcaraz, his shots need to be near perfect, or else the next ball will be slammed back with immense power.
“I can be in a backhand cross (court) rally with either one of them and if I hit a forehand, it’s got to be so good or else that next ball is getting just drilled huge cross court,” Fritz added. “They just play these lateral baseline points… like we used to see Nadal and Fed and most you saw Nadal and Novak have these long points, corner to corner. When Sinner and Alcaraz do it corner to corner, they have these same rallies but I swear they are hitting the ball ten miles an hour faster. It’s just crazy.”
Fritz’s comments are notable because they highlight the physicality and power with which Sinner and Alcaraz strike the ball, which sets them apart from their older counterparts. The dynamic between attack and defense in modern tennis has evolved significantly, and these two young players have found a way to blend the two seamlessly. While Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic also played with high intensity, the younger generation is pushing that intensity to new heights, combining speed, power, and precision in a way that makes them difficult to match.
Adding to the conversation, Norwegian tennis star Casper Ruud also offered his insights after a crushing defeat to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin, where Sinner triumphed with a 6-1, 6-2 victory. Ruud’s comments provide a deeper understanding of the unique challenges posed by Sinner’s game.
“In my opinion, because they play different tennis,” Ruud said when asked to compare Sinner’s level to that of Novak Djokovic. “I mean, I think on TV it looks probably similar the way they play. But Jannik hits a faster ball than Novak. He doesn’t let you breathe.”
Ruud’s analysis underscores one of the key differences between Sinner’s and Djokovic’s styles of play. While Djokovic is famous for his incredible mental toughness, unrivaled consistency, and ability to neutralize his opponent’s strengths, Sinner’s game is more about explosive power, particularly in his groundstrokes. According to Ruud, with Sinner, there’s little room for error. His fast, aggressive play doesn’t allow opponents to settle into a rhythm.
“With Novak, you can play rallies,” Ruud continued. “I’m not going to say it’s easier to play Novak because he’s the best in the history, but at least with Novak, you can play more rallies and not be terrified of Novak ripping, like, a bomb down the line or cross-court or these things.”
Ruud also highlighted the speed at which Sinner plays, stating that it’s only when you watch him live that you truly appreciate how fast the Italian’s ball speed is. “You don’t realize how fast Jannik plays unless you watch him play live and you’re there in the stadium,” Ruud said. “On the TV, it’s not fair, the speed.”
This observation is significant because it suggests that Sinner’s game is not just about raw power but also about a higher level of intensity, something that becomes especially evident in person. Sinner’s ability to dictate play with such ferocity has made him a difficult opponent for even the most seasoned professionals.
Ruud went on to give more context about their practice sessions, revealing that even in training, Sinner was playing at an extraordinarily high level. “I got to practice with him here earlier leading up to the tournament. He also kicked my ass there,” Ruud admitted. Despite knowing the level of play he would face, Ruud found Sinner’s performance in their match to be overwhelming. The Italian’s consistency and the pressure he applied throughout the match were too much for Ruud to handle.
“I didn’t get a good start, so I get stressed and overplay a bit. Even the points I played really well, he was there defending well,” Ruud said. “I ended up doing a stupid mistake at the end. I hope I can play Jannik more in the future ‘cause it’s a really fun challenge even though today I lost badly.”
Comparing different generations in tennis is always a complicated exercise. However, the remarkable level at which Sinner and Alcaraz are playing has naturally led to comparisons with the players who dominated the sport for the past two decades: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic. While the ‘Big 3’ defined an era of men’s tennis with their dominance, the rise of Sinner and Alcaraz seems to signal the dawn of a new age.
However, it is important to note that while Sinner and Alcaraz’s playstyle may seem more aggressive and powerful, the true test of their greatness will come in the form of Grand Slam titles, longevity, and consistency at the highest levels of the sport—criteria that the Big 3 have firmly established over their illustrious careers. Only time will tell if the younger players can match the unprecedented records set by Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Despite this, the comments from Fritz and Ruud confirm that the current generation of players, particularly Sinner and Alcaraz, are playing at a level that is pushing the boundaries of modern tennis. As they continue to mature and develop, the rivalry between these young stars and the established veterans will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting narratives in tennis for years to come.
In conclusion, while the comparison of Sinner’s current level to Djokovic’s prime is subjective and ultimately speculative, it is clear that the young Italian and his peers are playing a style of tennis that is both exhilarating and incredibly difficult to match. With their blend of speed, power, and resilience, Sinner and Alcaraz are setting the stage for a new era in tennis, one that could rival the brilliance of the Big 3 and bring a fresh wave of excitement to the sport.