By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Jannik Sinner currently ranked world number two in tennis, rebuffed claims of being the best player globally, stressing reluctance to compare himself with top contenders Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
The Italian athlete’s remarks come as he enters the Madrid Open with a stellar season record of 25 wins to 2 losses, positioning him as a formidable force in the competition. Sinner, reigning Australian Open champion, leads the ATP’s Race to Turin, maintaining a significant 1,650-point lead over second-placed Daniil Medvedev.
“I think it’s a tough question to answer. We always see only this moment and I think that sometimes it’s good but also not good,” remarked the 22-year-old during a press conference in Madrid. “I still believe that you cannot compare myself with Novak with all that he has done. And the same goes for Carlos. Also, Carlos won more than me.”
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Despite his humility, Jannik Sinner aims to leverage his prowess in the Madrid tournament, where he seeks to surpass previous third-round exits. As the top seed in Djokovic’s absence, he anticipates a challenging match against Richard Gasquet or Lorenzo Sonego in the second round.
Conversely, Carlos Alcaraz, world number three, acknowledges Sinner’s dominance in the sport, labeling him as the current best player. Alcaraz, who recently recovered from a right arm injury, prepares to confront the competition with renewed determination.
“He’s dangerous, he’s really dangerous. He’s the best player in the world right now,” stated Alcaraz, a two-time defending champion in Madrid.
Meanwhile, fourth-ranked Daniil Medvedev aims to maintain composure amidst potential officiating challenges, following his contentious reactions during the Monte Carlo tournament.
“Mistakes can happen. I wish I hadn’t reacted like this, so let’s see if next time it happens, I cannot promise anything but hopefully, I can focus more on the match than on the mistake itself,” remarked the 28-year-old Russian, highlighting his determination to stay focused during the clay season.
As the Madrid Open unfolds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the clash of titans and the emergence of new narratives in the world of tennis.
