Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner rankings claim as legend reveals how Novak Djokovic was beaten

The tennis world is still reverberating from Jannik Sinner’s stunning win against Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in Turin, with Carlos Alcaraz among those who lapped up the dramatic match on Tuesday.

Sinner came of age at the ATP Finals in Turin with a first career victory over world number one Novak Djokovic.

The 22-year-old Italian won a three-hour marathon 7-5 6-7 (5) 7-6 (2) in a match of high tension and tremendous quality.

Alcaraz was asked about the match following his win against Andrey Rublev on Wednesday and suggested Sinner is now ready to challenge for the biggest titles in tennis.

“As a tennis fan I saw Sinner’s match against Djokovic, I think it was one of the best of the season,” said Alcaraz.

“It was very hard fought, everyone enjoyed it. I had fun watching it, it was incredible.

“I think it wouldn’t be easy to play here against Sinner with the audience on his side, but when I played him it was always great games, so who knows what could happen.”

Alcaraz then went on to lavish these words of praise on Sinner as he added: “In 2024 Jannik will be a serious candidate to win a Grand Slam. I think he will even be able to reach No. 1, or put himself in a position to get there.”

READ MORE: Tim Henman surprised by Novak Djokovic’s reaction amid Jannik Sinner defeat

Sinner has a winning record against Alcaraz and the pair could meet on Saturday if Alcaraz comes through his final group match win a win against Daniil Medvedev.

That would be a blockbuster occasion, with former US Open champion Andy Roddick telling the Tennis Channel that Sinner showed the only way to beat Djokovic, by playing ultra-aggressive tennis and pushing the 24-time Grand Slam champion onto the back foot.

“When the book’s being written on Sinner, he’s going to look back on this and say, ‘Hey that might have been the best match I ever played’,” said Roddick

“It’s just an unbelievable effort from Jannik Sinner from start to finish. As Jim Courier mentioned, Novak played well.

“He doesn’t often play that well & find the wrong side of it. Sinner was winning points right, taking cuts off returns.

“He took the racquet out of Djokovic’s hand a lot, serving well, moving well, switching directions. I couldn’t be more impressed with the match that we just saw.”

Sinner suggested his ability to hold his nerve was the primary reason for his success, as he stayed postive throughout.

“When you win against the world No 1 and he has won 24 Grand Slams, it is clear that he is in the top, top,” said the Italian.

“I don’t know where I would put this as the best win of my career so far, but it was a really tactical match and I’m glad I found a way to win.

“I still have to learn many things. In the second set tie-break, he played better than me, but in the third set, I was really brave in important moments.

“I felt like we were both serving really well, so there weren’t so many exchanges. When we did have them, it was a really, really high-level match.”

Defending champion Djokovic next faces Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz on Thursday in his final group match as he bids to reach the semi-finals.

Sinner will take on Holger Rune with a place in the last four up for grabs for the winner.