Richard Krajicek identifies who could pose a threat to Jannik Sinner
Who could challenge Jannik Sinner in the coming months? With Carlos Alcaraz currently sidelined (his US Open participation is also in doubt), former Dutch tennis player Richard Krajicek, a Wimbledon champion, has identified the up-and-coming players who will soon pose a threat to the Italian in upcoming tournaments.
“Who can challenge Sinner for the No. 1 spot? Maybe he can do it in a year or two, but I really like Joao Fonseca,” the Dutchman told Tennis 365. But the name on everyone’s lips right now is Rafael Jodar: “I really like him a lot; people are starting to notice his strength, but perhaps not quite enough yet.”
“I saw him at Roland Garros while he was playing against Michelsen. I was sitting very close by and saw his style of play, his mindset, his relationship with his father, his energy—even his connection with the crowd. I’m really impressed by this kid. To me, he’s incredible. Maybe I’d feel the same way if I saw Fonseca play up close like that. I was very impressed; he’s definitely one of the strongest young players, along with Fonseca, Mensik, and Tien.”
Ben Shelton is also on the list: “He’s someone who can still reach the highest levels. He has a powerful serve, he’s left-handed, and he has a slightly different playing style, so if you’re a player who’s a bit different, that helps too.”
It’s not just Krajicek who’s been impressed by Jodar. Former Australian tennis player and coach Rennae Stubbs also spoke highly of the young Spaniard, calling him a real threat to the world’s best: “I have to admit that he poses a real threat to the two best players in the world, Alcaraz and Sinner. I believe he’ll eventually reach their level. I think it’ll take another year or two.” Stubbs emphasized that Jodar’s progress has been simply extraordinary: Having turned pro in early 2026, the Spaniard has already won his first tournament in Marrakech, reached the semifinals in Barcelona, the quarterfinals in Madrid against Sinner, and the final in Washington, climbing into the world’s top 15 in just a few months.
