Jannik Sinner has revealed it is difficult to “compare” himself to the likes of Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz after being asked a “difficult” question ahead of the Madrid Open.
With world No 1 Djokovic not playing, Sinner is the top seed at the Masters 1000 event, and has a chance to move within touching distance of the Serbian at the top of the ATP Rankings.
The Italian did not play in Madrid last year due to injury but is perhaps the favourite to triumph this fortnight after a scintillating start to the season.
Semi-final losses at Indian Wells and Monte Carlo have been his only defeats of 2024, while he has won three titles – including a maiden major at the Australian Open.
Sinner is top of the ATP Race to Turin with world No 1 Djokovic down in ninth and world No 3 Alcaraz only seventh after mixed starts to the season.
The World No 2 is undoubtedly the form player of the three – and has usurped Alcaraz in the rankings already, with it more than possible he will overtake Djokovic at some point soon.
But, when asked in press whether he felt like the best player in the world, Sinner responded with a respectful nod to the achievements of his two main rivals.
“I think it’s a difficult question to answer,” he said.
“We always look at the current moment, and sometimes that’s good, and other times it’s not. I don’t think I can compare myself to Djokovic and everything he’s done.
“I have a lot of respect for him, just like I have a lot of respect for Carlos, who has won more than me. I have a lot of respect for both of them. I just try to play my tennis, be able to give my best and see what I can achieve.”
Madrid is the first time that the 22-year-old has ever been the top seed at a Masters 1000 event, with compatriot Lorenzo Sonego potentially his opening opponent in the Spanish capital.
And while he is enjoying life as the top player in the draw, Sinner claims his approach has not changed.
He added: “It is clear that it is a great pleasure, although, on the other hand, nothing is going to change. I am simply here, trying to understand my clay court tennis a little better.
“Here in Madrid the conditions are somewhat different compared to other tournaments because we play in height, the ball flies and is quite fast. Before I had a hard time finding my level here, so it will be interesting to see how I can play this year.
“That is the most important thing. If I can find my tennis, I think my game can adapt. very good under these conditions, but I feel like I still have to find it. I still have three days of training left before my first game, three days that I hope will help me.
“Next week we will see how I can answer this question.”
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