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Jannik Sinner’s dominance on the ATP Tour continues to draw attention, and his latest performance in Turin has sparked fresh debate over where he stands among tennis’ elite competitors. Following his commanding 5-7, 2-6 win over Alex de Minaur in the ATP Finals semifinals, the Australian star offered a telling assessment that places Sinner’s competitive edge above even that of Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.
Jannik Sinner extends unbeaten streak against De Minaur
The semifinal clash marked the 13th meeting between Sinner and De Minaur — and the 13th consecutive victory for the Italian. Despite a strong start and multiple opportunities to shift momentum, De Minaur once again found himself overwhelmed by Sinner’s relentless pressure.
Sinner’s consistency propelled him into his third straight final in Turin, while De Minaur was left searching for answers after another uphill battle.
Alex De Minaur breaks down why Sinner is a tougher challenge
During his post-match press conference, Alex de Minaur was asked directly whether Jannik Sinner poses a more difficult challenge than stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, or Rafael Nadal. His response was immediate and revealing, highlighting a key advantage that sets Sinner apart.
“I think one of the things that makes it very difficult against Jannik [Sinner] is his return of serve, right? That’s one of the biggest things for me,” De Minaur said.
He explained that Sinner’s ability to neutralize first serves forces him into defensive positions far more often than against other top players.
“If I’m missing a lot of first serves and I’m starting points with second serves, that’s when I’m kind of behind in the rally. Against other players, I can maneuver that from time to time.”
De Minaur added that the pressure becomes cumulative, making it difficult to regain control once Sinner seizes momentum.
“I do think there’s more constant pressure. That’s the biggest thing with Jannik,” he said. “More often than not, I feel like with Jannik, you can get into a bit of a snowball effect. After one break, the second break comes, and all of a sudden, you’re doing your best to fight off potentially a bagel or 6-1.”
Why Sinner’s competitiveness stands out
While Carlos Alcaraz dazzles with athleticism and Novak Djokovic remains the gold standard of consistency, Jannik Sinner’s blend of relentless returning, improved serving, and unwavering composure creates a uniquely punishing matchup for opponents.
Alex de Minaur emphasized Sinner’s excellence under pressure as a defining factor.
“That’s mainly due to how well he’s returning and his serving at the moment. His serving under duress in big points has been exceptional.”
These qualities, according to De Minaur, make Sinner the toughest competitor he faces — even more challenging, in certain aspects, than the sport’s established giants.
Looking Ahead
Despite the loss, Alex de Minaur remains optimistic about his progress and believes a breakthrough win over Jannik Sinner is within reach.
“I’m going on the right track,” he said. “I think the level of that first set was very good. I had my chances.”
As the Australian regroups for 2025, Sinner continues cementing his status as one of tennis’ most formidable forces — a competitor whose pressure, precision, and poise set him apart, even in an era defined by extraordinary talent.
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