Jannik Sinner’s meteoric rise to ATP world No. 1 and his dominance on hard courts have sparked heated debates about his potential to become a true tennis legend. But when Roger Federer’s longtime agent, Tony Godsick, was asked whether Sinner could reach the heights of Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic, his response was both cautious and intriguing.
Godsick: “Sinner Reminds Me of Federer in His Professionalism”
Sinner’s recent success has been undeniable—winning three consecutive hard-court Grand Slams, including the 2025 Australian Open, where he defeated Alexander Zverev in the final. However, his legend status remains in question, as he has yet to win a major on clay or grass.
When asked whether Sinner could replace Federer or Nadal as a global superstar, Godsick was hesitant but complimentary.
“At the moment, as a global star, he cannot replace Federer or Nadal. But he is loved by the people, he plays a type of tennis that I like a lot, and he knows how to give his best in the moments that matter.”
While Godsick isn’t ready to put Sinner in the same breath as the Big Three just yet, he did draw a fascinating comparison between Sinner’s work ethic and Federer’s professionalism.
“I don’t know if he can become a legend like Roger or Rafa, but he is on the right path… he is serious, very professional, he behaves well on the court and does not do stupid things off it… in this he reminds me of Roger.”
Zverev’s Take: Is Sinner More Like Djokovic?
Interestingly, not everyone sees Sinner’s game as reminiscent of Federer.
After falling to the Italian in the Australian Open final, Alexander Zverev compared Sinner’s style to Novak Djokovic, pointing to his incredible consistency and physical endurance.
“Mentally, he doesn’t go away. Physically, he’s always there. He just doesn’t miss,” Zverev said. “In that way, he reminds me of Djokovic.”
If Sinner truly combines Federer’s professionalism with Djokovic’s discipline and baseline mastery, he could be one of the most dangerous players of his generation.
Where Does Sinner Stand Against Carlos Alcaraz?
While Sinner’s dominance on hard courts is now undisputed, Carlos Alcaraz remains his biggest obstacle to all-surface greatness.
- Alcaraz has already won majors on all three surfaces, including French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2024.
- Sinner has yet to win on grass or clay, making the upcoming Grand Slam season critical for his long-term legacy.
Naomi Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, has pushed back against claims that Sinner has surpassed Alcaraz, arguing that the Spaniard’s complete game and Grand Slam versatility give him the edge.
“Jannik Sinner should not be considered better than Alcaraz,” Mouratoglou said, citing Alcaraz’s ability to adapt and thrive on any surface.
Can Sinner Cement His Status as a Legend?
While Sinner is proving to be the most dominant hard-court player right now, his legacy will be defined by his ability to conquer all surfaces.
The 2025 French Open and Wimbledon will be his true test—if he can win on clay and grass, the legend conversation will take a drastic turn.
But until then, the comparisons to Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic remain just that—comparisons.