Jannik Sinner’s remarkable consistency on the tennis court, described as “absurd” by former world No. 3 Ivan Ljubicic, has made him one of the brightest stars of the 2024 tennis season. Ljubicic, who coached the legendary Roger Federer during the latter part of his career, believes that Sinner’s incredible ability to maintain a high level of performance across multiple tournaments sets him apart from his peers, including the ultra-talented Carlos Alcaraz. According to Ljubicic, Sinner’s consistency could very well lead to long-term success that outpaces even the dynamic Alcaraz.
Sinner and Alcaraz have both had extraordinary seasons in 2024, claiming two Grand Slam titles each. Sinner secured victories at the Australian Open and the US Open, while Alcaraz triumphed at Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Despite their equally impressive Grand Slam performances, it is the Italian who has emerged as the dominant force on the ATP Tour this year. With seven titles under his belt, including two Grand Slams and two ATP Masters 1000 titles, Sinner has accumulated a substantial 4,800-point lead over Alcaraz in the ATP Rankings. This lead all but guarantees Sinner the year-end No. 1 ranking, making him the standout player of the 2024 season.
Speaking to *Sky Sports Italia*, Ljubicic didn’t hold back in his praise for the 23-year-old Sinner, who has continued to impress with his ability to perform at a consistently high level. “The numbers speak for themselves,” Ljubicic remarked. “He is dominating right now, and we hope for the Italian public that he will continue to do so for as long as possible.” What is most striking about Sinner’s season, according to the former Federer coach, is that despite both he and Alcaraz winning two Grand Slams apiece, Sinner’s consistency across the year has propelled him far ahead in the rankings. This, Ljubicic argues, is what separates great players from the rest of the pack.
Consistency, Ljubicic notes, is the hallmark of great champions. “Jannik and Carlos are very different as players, in character, and in their style of play,” he said. “Jannik is more consistent, and if we talk about the rankings, he will probably stay ahead of Alcaraz in many aspects. At the top, in a single tournament or in a direct confrontation, anything can happen. But when Carlitos is at his best, he is scary.”
Indeed, Alcaraz has often left opponents awestruck with his powerful, spectacular shot-making and athleticism on the court. At his best, the 21-year-old Spaniard can overwhelm his competition with a barrage of forehands, drop shots, and lightning-fast movement. Ljubicic acknowledged this, stating, “When Carlitos plays well, I do not say that he is unplayable, but he is scary.” However, Ljubicic stressed that Sinner’s steady and composed approach makes him a dangerous opponent in the long run, even if he doesn’t have the same “spectacular” shot-making as Alcaraz.
Sinner’s consistency was on full display during his remarkable run at the Shanghai Masters, where he clinched his seventh title of the season by defeating none other than Novak Djokovic in the final. The victory was particularly significant, as it marked Sinner’s third consecutive win over the 24-time Grand Slam champion, a feat few players have achieved. Sinner’s triumph in Shanghai further solidified his standing as the most consistent player of 2024, and his calm, unassuming reaction to such a big win caught Ljubicic’s attention.
“Such a humble guy,” Ljubicic said of Sinner. “He wins a tournament like Shanghai, beating Djokovic in the final, and raises his arms as if to say, ‘tomorrow is another day and we start again.’ With this mentality, he got where he got.”
This grounded, workmanlike approach is what Ljubicic believes will continue to serve Sinner well as he seeks to build on his already impressive career. Unlike some players who may rest on their laurels after big victories, Sinner appears to take each match as just another step in a long journey, always looking ahead to the next challenge rather than dwelling on past successes. It’s this mentality that Ljubicic sees as a key ingredient in Sinner’s continued dominance on the tour.
Looking ahead, Sinner’s trajectory seems set to continue its upward climb. With seven titles and the year-end No. 1 ranking almost assured, the Italian has established himself as the player to beat. His remarkable consistency, both physically and mentally, positions him as a long-term force in tennis, and while Alcaraz may dazzle with his brilliance at times, it is Sinner’s steady and relentless approach that could see him outlast his rival in the race for future success.
As the 2024 season draws to a close, it’s clear that tennis fans are witnessing the rise of a new generation of stars, with Sinner and Alcaraz leading the charge. While both players bring their unique styles and strengths to the court, Ljubicic’s assessment of Sinner as the more consistent and long-term champion offers a fascinating perspective on the future of the sport. With both players still in their early 20s, the rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz is sure to shape the next decade of men’s tennis, and fans can look forward to many more thrilling encounters between these two extraordinary talents.