Jannik Sinner is on the fast track to stardom! The new World No. 1 is receiving widespread praise from all across the tennis community, including the likes of Roger Federer. The Swiss maestro’s admiration has added an extra layer of validation to Sinner’s burgeoning career, but not all opinions align so harmoniously. In a recent statement, Alexander Zverev shared a similar yet different view about his Italian counterpart, raising eyebrows within the tennis community. 

In an interaction with Tennis TV, several of Jannik Sinner’s ‘co-workers’ shared insights into the popularity of the World No. 1 in the locker room. Joining the fray was German No. 1 Alexander Zverev who took a different approach to reflect his opinion about Sinner, whom he considers a very down-to-earth person.

The German tennis star explained that Sinner does not resemble a world no. 1. “He is a great guy, he’s very down to earth. He’s very unlike world number one to be honest, because he is just a simple, simple guy. There is nothing about him that if he, if he walks on the street, you know, would suggest, ‘okay I am the World No. 1.’”

Alexander Zverev’s statement comes at a time when Roger Federer was seen in an all-out praise for the Italian, who also called him a ‘good boy.’ In a recent interaction that featured on La Gazzetta dello Sport, Federer said, “Sinner deserves it, he’s playing great and he’s a very good boy, very sweet.” Federer’s statement is a bit opposite to how Zverev presented his views about Sinner but the German claimed that this can be the biggest compliment that one could give to their counterpart.

“That’s not how he is but that’s also, you know, I think one of the biggest compliments that you can give him. He stayed the same throughout the whole process and I think everybody is happy for him.”

Both Sinner and Zverev were in the top 4 of the French Open. While the German reached the finals, the Italian star couldn’t. Next up, the World No. 1 is currently trying his luck out in Halle.

‘It’s great to be back,’ Jannik Sinner shares his ambitions at Halle

Jannik Sinner was on an impressive run at the French Open after an injury stint and has now shifted gears to grass. Sharing his ambitions, the 22-year-old said that he would love to win on the green-court.

Speaking ahead of his match during the media day, Sinner shared his excitement to play on grass. “It would be very special to win here because there aren’t many grass tournaments throughout the year. I only play here and at Wimbledon, so I only have two chances. But overall, it’s great to be back on grass.”

The Australian Open winner is currently playing his first match at the Halle Open against Tallon Griekspoor. It will be interesting to see if he can do something remarkable yet again as he prepares to win his first grass-court Grand Slam.