Jannik Sinner’s name is synonymous with powerhouse. As the reigning World No. 1, he’s been on a title-winning spree, amassing a total of 17 titles in his career. This year alone, he clinched two Grand Slam titles—his first at the Australian Open and another at the US Open—along with the prestigious Shanghai Masters and the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, which boasted the largest prize money in tennis history at $6 million! With only a few tournaments left in the season, Sinner is on fire, and fans are eager to see what’s next.

During an interview with Sky Sports in Italy, Sinner shared his journey through the sport, stating “I was 13 and a half when I decided to leave home.” His unwavering dedication to tennis has been evident ever. Once he debuted in professional tennis at 17, he won his first ATP title in Sofia in 2020, ascending the ranks into the top 100 within a year after that. By 2023, he had already snagged his first Masters 1000 title in Toronto and led Italy to a historic Davis Cup victory. He said, “As a person I have never changed, the way I treat people hasn’t changed. It changes that I have a little less free time, but because I dedicate all the time I can to work.”

Now at 23, he’s reached the point he’s “always dreamed of — no. 1 in the world.” He achieved this goal by winning multiple titles this year. Including two Grand Slams at the Australian Open and US Open. Additionally, he secured victories at the Rotterdam Open, Miami Open, Halle Open, Cincinnati Masters, and most recently, the Wuhan Open. Not to mention, he’s defeated Novak Djokovic three times this season. At the Australian Open quarterfinals, the Shanghai Masters with a triumphant 7-6, 6-3, securing his fourth ATP Masters 1000 title and the Six Kings Slams exhibition. However, Sinner also claims that he’s just getting started. As he boldly states, “I will play for another 15 years until I am 35-40. Let’s hope that my body holds up.” 

“They say that 15 years is a long time, but it doesn’t feel that way,” Jannik Sinner reflected. “I arrived here in the same hotel, the same room.” World no. 1 has been on an incredible journey since his last visit to Italy in May for the 2024 Italian Open. And now, with the season winding down, he realizes that “time has passed quickly.”

Sinner’s ambitions are even more thrilling against the backdrop of the “Big Three”— Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. Federer retired at 41 and Nadal at 37. Although Djokovic is still active, he has been hinting at pursuing interests outside of tennis frequently. So in a way, Sinner’s desire for longevity reflects these legends. If he stays on track, he could soon join their ranks, a sentiment shared by the president of the Italian Tennis Federation and Rafa as well!

Tennis legends claim that Sinner is on the path to a brighter future

Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, boldly predicted that Jannik Sinner could surpass legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer by looking at his Grand Slam wins this year. “How many can Sinner win? He’s already bagged two in one year, and he has a 15-year gap with Djokovic. If he keeps it up, hitting 30 isn’t out of the question!” he shared with We Love Tennis. “It might sound wild, but aiming for an average between the Big Three is a solid goal,” 

Similarly, after his match in Riyadh, Rafael Nadal spoke on his retirement with AS. During the interview, Rafa mentioned the current rivalry between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Nothing that while the golden age of tennis is winding down, he sees a new generation rising. “Over time, interest will grow because great players aren’t made overnight,” Nadal said. Recognizing the potential of these stars to compete with the Big Three, who have collectively won 66 out of 84 Grand Slam titles, Sinner is making rapid progress as he climbs the ranks!

Rafael Nadal believes that the next generation will capture fans’ attention just like he and his rivals did. “What makes them great is their longevity. It may take some time, but I’m sure it will happen,” he stated. Whether these predictions hold true remains to be seen. In the meantime, Sinner has plenty of upcoming tournaments to focus on.

With his impressive performances and growing legacy, could Sinner clinch titles that could place him alongside the Big Three? Share your thoughts in the comments!