Jannik Sinner‘s dominant form hasn’t left the discussion box since his dream run in 2024. The Italian superstar emerged as the top talent in the sport to look out for and with a successful title defence at the Australian Open, his reign has only begun. So much so, that even Serena Williams‘ former mentor sang the World No. 1 praises.

The Italian sensation commenced the season with a triumphant finish in Melbourne. He did not drop a set in his last three matches leading to the title clash and outclassed German Alexander Zverev to lift his third overall Slam piece. While his impressive results have only started to show in 2025, last year, Sinner recorded a laudable winning streak that included eight overall tour-level title wins across the board. To put a cherry on top, he minted a cool $6M after lifting the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh.

Having wrapped the previous season with a maiden ATP Finals crown and the year-end World No. 1, American icon Williams’ childhood coach Rick Macci had something to share about the Italian player’s formidable form. Taking to X, the 7-year-old talked about Sinner’s awe-worthy gameplay – one that is a powerhouse to thunderous shot-making skills, spot-on serve, and incredible on-court coverage.

He wrote, “Sinner is at a whole new level. His serve is now an asset. He fires world-class quality on the 5 most important BIG TICKET Items of a champion with staying power. Explosive Forehand. Rock solid Backhand. Microscopic spot Serving. Turbo Wheels. And the leader in every clubhouse Mind over matter.”

However, Sinner’s success is shrouded with a doping controversy. For the uninitiated, he tested positive for banned anabolic clostebol during his Indian Wells Masters campaign last year.

Though the ITIA accepted his defence and noted that the contamination was unintentional, the tennis community, including several star players like Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios, called out the inconsistency in the doping investigation. While many lament that the Italian player dodged suspension and continues to participate in the ATP without facing the music, WADA’s successful appeal to the CIA has yet to bring a final verdict for Sinner in April.

However, for now, he continues to excite fans and galvanize top-tier players on the tour.

Carlos Alcaraz believes Jannik Sinner is a tough nut to crack in men’s tennis

Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz and arch-rival Jannik Sinner have clashed ten times on the tour. Despite leading their head-to-head 6-4, young Carlitos says that the form of the reigning AO champion is “crazy”. Speaking to the media during a pre-tournament presser at Rotterdam, Alcaraz highlighted how the 23-year-old has been an unstoppable force at every tournament he sets his sights on.

He said, “Jannik is the best right now. He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it is crazy. I know people say who’s better out of us. They say Jannik is better or some say me. It is all discussion. But for me, I think for a tennis player, we have to face Jannik. He is winning everything he is playing. He is focused every time, so I think he is the best. Every tournament he plays, he makes the final or lifts the trophy.”

Alcaraz and Sinner last locked horns in Beijing, where the Spaniard navigated past the latter’s challenge in the summit clash to lift the China Open title. For now, he is focused on enhancing his resume before the commencement of the season’s second Slam, the French Open.

He will debut in Rotterdam as the top seed and is slated to face Dutch wild-card entry Botic Van de Zandschulp on Tuesday, February 3.