Jannik Sinner ready to defend World No. 1: “All the other players want to chase you at this game and I like it.”

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.

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“(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.

Jannik Sinner at 2024 Beijing Open.

"If I want to go home tomorrow, I can, but I don’t want to because my career began when I left home at 13 and a half. Now, at 23, I’ve achieved my dream of becoming world No. 1, and it’s the time to keep working because everyone is chasing you at this game, and I like it.”

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Sinner added that he aims for a long career and takes measures to maintain his physical health, always with a long-term view: “I’m going to play another 15 years until I’m 35 or 40. Let’s hope my body holds up. They say 15 years is a long time, but it’s not—time flies. We’re making all the choices to keep playing as long as possible while balancing improvement, the desire to win, and having the right people around who can help.”