Jannik Sinner put on a clinic in the Madrid Open final against Alexander Zverev.
Sinner beat Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the championship match to secure a maiden Madrid crown and become the first player ever to win five consecutive Masters titles.
The four-time major champion is now just one Italian Open title away from completing the Career Golden Masters, which he can do this month in front of a home crowd.
Can anyone stop Jannik Sinner at the Italian Open?
If so, who?
Following their final clash, Zverev said there is a big gap between Sinner and everyone else on the ATP tour.
During his post-match press conference, the world number one gave his response to the German’s verdict.
Jannik Sinner reacts to Alexander Zverev’s comments post-match
Sinner said: “Oh, it’s tough to say. You know, sometimes you have good days, sometimes you have bad days.
“It also depends when I play against someone. I always try in every tournament. One day can be big changes.
Can any of these four players stop Jannik Sinner winning the French Open this year?
Is there anyone else you think could be a threat to Sinner?
“If you see the first day, again, you know, first-round matches, they are very tough. After, you try to raise your level.
“Today it was a really, really good performance from my side; very solid, serving well. But, look, I don’t compare myself with other players.
“I try to be the best possible version of myself, and that’s it. At the same time, it also depends, you know, day by day it’s always different.”
Jannik Sinner reacts to his historic feat at the Madrid Open
Reacting to his record-breaking fifth straight Masters title, Sinner said: “Yeah, I mean, it means a lot. In the same time, you know, as I always said, I cannot compare myself with Rafa, Roger, Novak. You know, what they did, it’s something incredible. I don’t play for these records, you know, or I don’t play for records in general.
“I play for myself. I play for my team, because they know what’s behind. Also my family, you know, because my family, they, with the success I’ve had, they also never changed how they are towards me. They are simple parents, and I feel very safe when I’m around them.
“We never talk about tennis when I’m at home, you know, so it’s a great relationship. It’s really just, you know, parents and me. Yeah, look, it means, of course, a lot, great numbers. But there is a lot of discipline, a lot of sacrifice behind this.
“There’s also daily routines that I put in. I also, I’m the first person who needs to be ready, you know, in the morning to wake up. I like the journey. I like to put myself in the best possible position to be the best version of myself.
“I don’t play for other records. As I said, what the other players did in the past, and Novak’s still doing, it’s something incredible. I cannot compare myself with them.”
At 24 years of age, Sinner would be the youngest ever to complete the Career Golden Masters if he triumphs in Rome.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
