Former world number one certifies overtaking Jannik Sinner

The rankings still do not reward him, but according to many, Jannik Sinner is already the virtual number one in the ATP rankings.

His double victory in the U.S. at Indian Wells and Miami has convinced many insiders, including former world number one Rennae Stubbs, who clearly skewed on her podcast in favor of the Blue in his eternal struggle with Carlos Alcaraz.

“Now Sinner is the number one favorite to win at Roland Garros,” Stubbs explained. “I noticed a few things in his game, especially in Miami, where I felt he was shaping his forehand more. The depth of his groundstrokes is something that is not talked about enough.” Sinner won the first Sunshine Double of his career without losing a single set.

According to Stubbs, the depth of his groundstrokes are the key to his growth: “If you hit the ball about thirty or sixty inches from the baseline, you’re very likely to get a short ball, unless you’re playing against someone who hits the ball as well as you do.”

“If you look at the big games and the points he’s played in the last few weeks, you can tell that’s what he excels at. His movements are extraordinary, as is his serve.” The Azzurro has reduced his ATP ranking disadvantage from Carlos Alcaraz to just over 1,000 points. The South Tyrolean’s goal now is to win Roland Garros, the last Slam he lacks in his career. His last meeting with Alcaraz was in the final of 2025, when he overcame the Murcia-based tennis player in the final of the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.

Sinner knows that on clay the story will be different: “It’s a surface that requires great commitment both physically and mentally, so we have to go in the right direction if we want to succeed. And getting off to a good start right away will be very important,” explained the Azzurro, who is expected to participate in the Monte Carlo tournament.