Jannik Sinner is currently on track to enjoy a career comparable to some of the sport’s greatest-ever players.
That is just how good this prodigious Italian superstar is.
Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal must all be sweating at the prospect of both Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz’s dominance, as it threatens every record that they smashed across the last few decades.
In the blink of an eye, this new duo could rewrite history.
However, there is nothing that could ever erase their legend, and it remains a huge compliment for Sinner that he has just been compared to Nadal.
Jannik Sinner told he does one thing just like Rafael Nadal used to
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, as relayed by Tennis365, former British number one Greg Rusedski offered his verdict on the 24-year-old’s stellar run at the Madrid Open.
On track to claim yet another Masters 1000 title, having already won all of the other events so far in 2026, what he continues to achieve is astounding.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
However, Rusedski suggested that Alcaraz’s injury and withdrawal from Roland Garros could cause more problems than it solves for the world number one.
“There’s a lot more pressure and expectation,” he argued, adding: “I’m saying he’s gonna win the French Open, he’s gonna win Madrid, he’s gonna win Rome, he should win everything he plays now.
“Then imagine if Alcaraz doesn’t show up to Wimbledon. Again, the pressure will be on. You should win everything, you should win everything. That’s not easy to manage that expectation and pressure.
“Yes, he’s mentally tough, but all of a sudden, you take away his biggest rival, and everybody says you should win. The other players are looking like they’re starting to step up as well.
What would have happened if Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner played at the same time as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal?
“So far, Jannik has been unbelievable. I’ve been watching him this week. When he is challenged, Jannik puts on the afterburners.”
Rusedski then pointed out one area of Sinner’s game that he’s noticed has become remarkably similar to Nadal’s, adding: “What I’ve noticed this week is the use of the slice short sometimes to bring his opponents in, the willingness to come forward. And he just plays all the time the right shot. Even though he doesn’t always execute it.
“It reminds me of Rafa. Rafa said this wonderful quote in 2019 when he was playing the US Open finals. He said that technically I can miss, but mentally I can’t disappear.
“I think from Rafa’s point of view, that’s what made him so strong. And also from the point of view of Jannik Sinner, that was also his main strength was between the ears. And that’s what makes him so good.”
Ironically, Sinner recently matched an all-time Nadal and Roger Federer record earlier this week.
One of Jannik Sinner and Arthur Fils has to lose their unbeaten clay streak
Whilst this Madrid Open has been far from enthralling, we are set to be treated to a fine showdown later today when Sinner faces Arthur Fils.
After all, it pits two of the sport’s most in-form players against one another, neither of whom have actually lost a match on this surface in 2026.
| Player | Live ranking | Wins (on clay) | Titles | Finals reached |
| Jannik Sinner | 1 | 29 (9) | 3 | 3 |
| Arthur Fils | 17 | 22 (9) | 1 | 2 |
The Frenchman boasts a title from Barcelona, whilst the world number one won in Monte Carlo.
Now, someone’s unbeaten streak must end as they meet in this Madrid Open semi-final.
The winner of this match faces the victor of Alexander Zverev’s clash with Alexander Blockx later today.
