"What he has done in the last two months has brought him closer": Ivan Ljubicic says Jannik Sinner is unlike Carlos Alcaraz in tennis rise
ATP
Former Croatian tennis player Ivan Ljubicic believes that
Italy’s young tennis star Jannik Sinner need ‘steps’ to reach his highest potential.
The 22-year-old is often regarded as one of the most
highly-rated players currently playing in the men’s single category alongside
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and America’s Ben Shelton. Ljubicic was recently quoted in a report where he expressed
his opinion that Sinner is not like Alcaraz who will get success instantly but
instead, he will have to take smaller steps to reach the very top.
“I immediately believed in his chances. Jannik is not like
Alcaraz, who went from number 40 to number one [in no time],” he said. “He
needs steps. I think what he has done in the last two months, the confirmation
of hard work, has brought him closer to the goal.
“He needed certain experiences to feel comfortable on this
path. At the end of 2022, I said that I regretted that Jannik had not played
important matches against the biggest players. Now he has nothing more to
learn.
“He started by winning his first Masters 1000, then he beat
all the world number ones’ . He reached the final in Turin & lost it
because he was very tired after a difficult semi‐final against Medvedev. But
when he left the court, his mind was already on the team & the Davis Cup.”
Sinner had a more than impressive year, especially the second
half of the season, and he finished the year on a high as well after helping Italy
in winning the Davis Cup after a gap of more than two decades.
Other than that,
Sinner also went on to play in the final of the last major competition in men’s tennis — the ATP Finals — on his home soil. However, he was on the losing
side in the all-important encounter.
Azeem Siddiqui is a seasoned sports journalist and data analyst with a strong background in both digital media and live sports production.
He began his journalism career working with partners of The New York Times and has since contributed to several leading international sports publications, including Fox Sports Asia, Calciomercato, and GiveMeSport. Since 2023, Azeem has been part of the TennisUpToDate team, where he has played a key role in sustaining the platform’s growth and ensuring tennis fans receive timely and reliable coverage of the sport’s biggest stories.
In addition to his editorial work, Azeem has extensive experience as a data analyst in live sports broadcasting—particularly in cricket—where he combines analytical precision with creative storytelling. He has collaborated with multiple production companies and cricket boards worldwide, delivering real-time insights and data-driven narratives during live match coverage.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
