“20 plus Grand Slams”: Rick Macci backs Jannik Sinner to challenge Big Three records
ATPSaturday, 01 August 2026 at 22:00
Jannik Sinner’s decision to withdraw from the Canadian Open created headlines across the tennis world, but it has not changed the belief that surrounds the world No. 1. After another historic run at Masters 1000 level and a second consecutive Wimbledon title, the Italian continues to receive major praise, with renowned coach Rick Macci making a huge prediction about Sinner’s potential Grand Slam legacy.
The Italian was forced to give up his chance of completing the first calendar Masters 1000 sweep in tennis history after winning Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome during the 2026 season. However, Sinner prioritized additional recovery time before returning at the Cincinnati Open and beginning his preparation for the US Open.
Sinner enters the final part of the season after one of the most dominant stretches ever recorded at Masters 1000 level. The 24-year-old owns a 34-match winning streak in the category dating back to last October and has won all five Masters 1000 tournaments he played in 2026, holding a 29-0 record at that level this season.
Despite missing Montreal, the decision has been viewed by many as a strategic move rather than a setback. With the US Open approaching, Sinner will now focus on maintaining his physical condition and extending the dominance that has placed him firmly at the top of men’s tennis.
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Rick Macci believes Sinner can reach 20 Grand Slam titles
Macci, the former coach of Serena Williams and one of the most respected figures in tennis development, compared Sinner’s current position to his childhood years as a skiing champion in Italy. The American coach highlighted how Sinner’s athletic background and mentality helped him become one of the most complete players in the sport.
“Sinner is at the top of the mountain just like as a kid when he was at the mountain top to fly down hill like a turbo charged Italian race car and become a skiing champion,” Macci wrote on X.
The coach added that Sinner’s biggest challenges may still be ahead, but believes the Italian has the qualities needed to build one of the greatest careers in tennis history. “Now everything is uphill for the Red Rocket who I feel barring injury could end up with 20 plus Grand Slams in the back pocket,” Macci continued.
Sinner is at the top of the mountain just like as a kid when he was at the mountain top to fly down hill like a turbo charged Italian race car and become a skiing champion. Now everything is uphill for the Red Rocket who I feel barring injury could end up with 20 plus Grand…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 30, 2026
Sinner currently owns five Grand Slam titles after winning his second consecutive Wimbledon crown in 2026, adding to his previous Australian Open and US Open triumphs. While reaching 20 majors would require maintaining an extraordinary level for several more seasons, Macci believes the Italian’s age, consistency and physical development give him a realistic opportunity.
The Italian will now turn his attention toward the Cincinnati Open, where he will resume competition before defending his US Open title. After another dominant year, Sinner remains the player everyone else is chasing as the final Grand Slam of the season approaches.
Most Grand Slam Singles Titles — ATP Players
Men's singles titles in the Open Era (since 1968)
| Rank | Player | Country | Titles |
| 1 | Novak Djokovic* | Serbia | 24 |
| 2 | Rafael Nadal | Spain | 22 |
| 3 | Roger Federer | Switzerland | 20 |
| 4 | Pete Sampras | United States | 14 |
| 5 | Björn Borg | Sweden | 11 |
| 6 | Ivan Lendl | Czechoslovakia | 8 |
| 7 | Jimmy Connors | United States | 8 |
| 8 | Andre Agassi | United States | 8 |
| 9 | John McEnroe | United States | 7 |
| 10 | Mats Wilander | Sweden | 7 |
| 11 | Carlos Alcaraz* | Spain | 7 |
| 12 | Stefan Edberg | Sweden | 6 |
| 13 | Boris Becker | Germany | 6 |
| 14 | John Newcombe | Australia | 5 |
| 15 | Jannik Sinner* | Italy | 5 |
| 16 | Rod Laver | Australia | 5 |
*Active players
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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