Jannik Sinner rejects comparisons with Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer.

Jannik Sinner dominates Madrid, but categorically refuses to compare himself to Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer: his shocking words at the press conference

The world of tennis is in shock after Jannik Sinner‘s remarkable performance at the Mutua Madrid Open, where the young Italian talent secured his fifth consecutive Masters 1000 title, making history. No player has ever managed to win the tournaments in Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid back-to-back, a legendary feat made even more extraordinary by the change in surface from hard court to clay and the limited time for recovery. But just when everyone expected Sinner to launch into bold comparisons with the three giants of contemporary tennis – Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer – came a surprising and disarming response: the 2001-born player from San Candido dismisses any comparison with remarkable clarity.

“ I cannot compare myself to Rafa, Roger, or Novak. What they have done is impressive,” Sinner said at a press conference immediately after his victory in Madrid, dismissing any attempts to liken him to the tennis greats. “I don’t play to break those records, I don’t play to beat the records, I play for myself, for my team, because they know what’s behind all of this. I play for my family, who have never changed their attitude towards me despite all my successes. They are down-to-earth parents and I feel very safe when I am with them.”

At just 24 years old, Sinner demonstrates an extraordinary maturity and a steely mindset. Despite his remarkable winning streak – just a step away from completing the series with Rome, Paris, and the Olympic gold medal – his approach remains rooted in discipline and daily sacrifice. “These are important numbers, they mean a lot to me, but behind them is a lot of discipline and enormous sacrifice. There are daily routines that no one sees: I am the first to be ready every morning when I wake up,” he added, emphasizing how success is the result of hard work and constant dedication.

Sinner’s message is clear and powerful: he is not interested in competing with the legends of the past or present, but in becoming the best version of himself. “I like this journey, I like putting myself in the best possible conditions to be the best version of myself. I don’t play thinking about other records. What others have done in the past, what Novak continues to do, is incredible. Therefore, I cannot compare myself to the three of them.”

With this clear and sincere stance, Jannik Sinner confirms himself not only as one of the most pure and promising talents in world tennis but also as an athlete who is grounded and aware, capable of managing media pressure and expectations without losing his identity. The future of Italian and world tennis inevitably passes through him, but his goal remains singular: to write his own story, in his own way, without chasing ghosts or other people’s records.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.