Jannik
Sinner reflected on the challenges of being world No. 1 and shared his hopes
for a long career in tennis. The 2-time Grand Slam champion has had a dazzling
season, with 65 wins and only 6 losses—three of them to No. 2, Carlos
Alcaraz—and has claimed 7 titles.

This
stellar year has propelled the Italian to the top of the rankings for the first
time in his career, creating a significant gap of over 4,000 points from his
closest rival, Alcaraz. Only the Paris Masters, ATP Finals, and Davis Cup—where
Italy will defend its 2023 title under Sinner’s leadership—remain on the Tour
calendar.

Sinner eyes the long game, planning to stay on top

At just 22
years old, Sinner reached the top spot and has shown no weaknesses, dominating
most of his opponents and boasting a 12-5 record against top-10 players this
season (12-2 excluding Alcaraz). He has become the player to beat in every
tournament, and Sinner acknowledges the pressure of being the favorite.

“(Pete)
Sampras used to say that when you become world number one, it’s like having a
target on your back, and everyone wants to hit you,” the 2024 US Open champion
said. “Losing as world No. 1 feels different because when you lose a match, it
really hits. When you’re ranked 10 and lose to No. 5, it’s different because
he’s stronger than you, but when you’re No. 1, everyone is after you. But
that’s what makes the game so great.”

Sinner also
noted that despite being world No. 1, he hasn’t changed as a person and remains
fully committed to working hard every day to keep improving: “I believe I’ve
stayed the same. Being No. 1 hasn’t changed me as a person or in how I treat
others. What changes is you have less free time, but I devote all the time I
can to work—it’s up to me.