Jannik Sinner ‘is the best player right now in the world’
Grigor Dimitrov has paid Jannik Sinner the ultimate tribute following his defeat to the in-form Italian in the Miami Open final, although Dimitrov is not keen on comparing the new world No 2 to other players.
Sinner is in the form of his life as he is 23-1 in 2024 with his only defeat coming against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final of the Indian Wells Open a fortnight ago.
Sunday’s Miami Open trophy – which he won after beating Dimitrov 6-3, 6-1 – is the 22-year-old’s third piece of silverware this season as he also won his maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open and followed it up with the Rotterdam Open trophy.
The Italian has now won seven titles – including two ATP Masters 1000 trophies – since the start of the 2023 season while he has beaten the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev several times during his brilliant run.
His latest victory will also see him rise to a new career-high No 2 in the ATP Rankings with many believing it is only a matter of time before he gets to No 1.
Dimitrov was asked about Sinner’s form after the ATP Masters 1000 final and said: “Clearly it’s Jannik’s week. He’s been playing amazing tennis. It’s really impressive how he’s been able to keep that way of playing.”
The Bulgarian added: “I think at the moment, clearly Jannik is playing outstanding tennis,” he said. “You see how focused he is, how determined he is. The way he’s hitting his shots, there is zero doubt, so a lot of that level, it’s extremely high up. I don’t feel the need to compare him to any other player or any player, for that matter. I think it’s just clearly that’s his time of… prime tennis that he’s playing.
“Can he play any better? I don’t know. He’s the one to show that. But at the moment he’s been able to really put so many matches back to back with the same level, so all credit goes to him. And he is the best player right now in the world.”
It was an excellent week for Dimitrov despite his loss in the final as he will return to the top 10.
He claimed wins over Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Hubert Hurkacz en route to the final.
“I want to keep the positives,” he said. “A lot had also happened behind the scenes. I’ve beaten very good players. A lot of positives for me.”
The former world No 3 continued: “I don’t have much time to be down on myself. I don’t want to be too hard on myself. Of course it hurts. Nobody wants to lose in the final. But overall it’s been a very positive two weeks for me.”
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