“I did not see it going that clearly in Sinner’s direction on this surface. I just really didn’t,” Andy Roddick admitted after Jannik Sinner clinched the Wimbledon trophy this year, a redemptive triumph following French Open heartbreak. The US Open, however, proved a bitter chapter, as Sinner fell in the final, losing both the title and top ranking. Yet his brilliance remains undeniable, with Felix Auger-Aliassime comparing Sinner’s game to Big Three legends Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

In a recent episode of The Changeover Podcast, Felix Auger-Aliassime spoke candidly about the sheer audacity of Jannik Sinner’s game, drawing comparisons to the Big 3 legends, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. “Often he breaks like first game of the match. Like I don’t remember watching like some of the greats even like they wouldn’t start off like that, you know? Like as the match goes on… Obviously I feel like Rafa, Novak, it was always like as the matches went on they got so good,” Auger-Aliassime explained.

He continued, “But like him is like how he starts the matches he starts like it’s like normal, you know, like no tension whatsoever so he still came out hot.” The Italian’s season has been a whirlwind of victories, losses, and pride, marked by soaring highs and crushing lows. The Canadian knows Sinner’s game intimately, having faced him in back-to-back tournaments. At the Cincinnati Open, Sinner unleashed a dominant performance, dismantling Auger-Aliassime 6-0, 6-2 to cruise into the semi-finals.

The victory was a statement: Sinner was intent on rewriting history. Auger-Aliassime had won both of their previous encounters in 2022, but the Italian, a four-time Grand Slam champion since their last meeting, left no room for error this time.

The rivalry continued at the US Open, where Sinner faced brief resistance in the fifth game but dialed up his intensity to close out a lopsided opening set. The Italian battled past the 25th-seeded Auger-Aliassime 6-1, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals, securing his third consecutive major final of the season. Despite occasional misfires and a medical timeout for an unspecified issue, Sinner found his rhythm, blending clutch serving with strategic shot-making to overcome his reinvigorated opponent.

Sinner’s dominance over Auger-Aliassime, combined with his relentless performances throughout the season, has earned him recognition among peers and fans alike. Felix’s observations underscore the uniqueness of Sinner’s approach: an ability to intimidate from the first game, to carry the momentum without apparent pressure, and to combine aggression with composure in equal measure.

Now, riding high on confidence and skill, Sinner is thriving on the ATP Tour, having recently captured the China Open. With the Shanghai Masters already started, the Italian’s form suggests he is poised for another monumental triumph. If his recent performances are any indication, Sinner’s blend of precision, power, and poise could very well see him dominate yet another Masters-level event, continuing to redefine the modern era of tennis.

Sinner dominates Shanghai as he begins title defense confidently

The Rolex Shanghai Masters has long challenged defending champions, but Jannik Sinner began his 2025 title defense with authority on Saturday at the Chinese ATP Masters 1000.

The world No. 2 breezed past Daniel Altmaier 6-3, 6-3 at Qizhong Forest Sports City Arena, signaling a confident start to his campaign. Sinner is chasing a historic feat: becoming the first player to defend the Shanghai title since Novak Djokovic in 2013. Fresh off his ATP 500 triumph in Beijing just days earlier, the Italian carried momentum into his opening match.

Against Altmaier, Sinner produced a rock-solid performance, closing the match in just one hour and 38 minutes. His precision and calm under pressure marked him as a formidable force, showing no signs of fatigue from his Beijing conquest.

“I knew before the match it was going to be very difficult today,” Sinner added. “I didn’t have a lot of time to adapt here, but it makes it even more special. Every day, every opponent is very difficult, it’s a huge challenge. So I’m very happy to come through today and hopefully I’m able to raise my level tomorrow.”

The match carried added drama. It was Sinner’s first encounter with Altmaier since a shocking loss at Roland Garros 2023, and he seized the moment, converting three of four break points to assert control.

With the win secured, Sinner advances to a third-round showdown with Tallon Griekspoor today, bringing a mixture of confidence and caution to the court. His gameplay exudes precision, aggression, and focus, qualities that have defined his 2025 season.

As the Shanghai Masters intensifies, the question lingers: can Sinner maintain his flawless streak against the 27th-ranked Griekspoor, or is an upset waiting in the wings? 

The arena braces for a high-stakes battle.