Greg Rusedski reveals the Jannik Sinner quality that brings Rafael Nadal to mind

Jannik Sinner is putting together the kind of career that could eventually stand alongside some of the greatest names in tennis history.

It’s a big statement, but one that doesn’t feel out of place given how much talent the young Italian has shown.

With both Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz making their mark, there’s been talk about how they could threaten records set by Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.

Of course, nothing can take away from what those three accomplished. But it’s still quite the compliment to Sinner to be mentioned in the same breath as Nadal this early in his career.

Jannik Sinner compared to Rafael Nadal in this area of his game

Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, as relayed by Tennis365, former British number one Greg Rusedski offered his verdict on the 24-year-old’s stellar run at the Madrid Open.

Already having secured all the other Masters events this year, Sinner is in top form and looking to add another title to his collection.

However, Rusedski suggested that Alcaraz’s injury and withdrawal from Roland Garros could cause more problems than it solves for the world number one.

“There’s a lot more pressure and expectation,” he argued, adding: “I’m saying he’s gonna win the French Open, he’s gonna win Madrid, he’s gonna win Rome, he should win everything he plays now.

“Then imagine if Alcaraz doesn’t show up to Wimbledon. Again, the pressure will be on. You should win everything. That’s not easy to manage that expectation and pressure.

“Yes, he’s mentally tough. But all of a sudden you take away his biggest rival and everybody says you should win.”

Rusedski then pointed out one area of Sinner’s game that he feels has become remarkably similar to Nadal’s: “What I’ve noticed this week is the use of the slice short sometimes to bring his opponents in.”

Sinner matched a remarkable feat from both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal earlier this week.

Jannik Sinner vs Arthur Fils: One of the two must lose their unbeaten clay streak

While this year’s Madrid Open hasn’t exactly captured the imagination, there’s still plenty of interest in Jannik Sinner’s upcoming clash with Arthur Fils.

It brings together two players in outstanding form, both undefeated on clay in 2026.

The Frenchman claimed a title in Barcelona, while the world number one came out on top in Monte Carlo.

Now, only one of their unbeaten runs will survive this semi-final matchup.

The winner will then take on whoever comes out on top between Alexander Zverev and Alexander Blockx later today.

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