Who would have guessed he is Italian? He is calm, composed, has ice coursing through his veins, and none of the Latin fire that typically characterises the Mediterranean nations. His name is Jannik Sinner, and he is undoubtedly the dominant force in the world of tennis in 2026. He has also claimed all four ATP Masters 1000 tournaments so far this season.

Born in San Candido, his character is much more in keeping with his Germanic neighbours than his Italian compatriots. After his victory in Madrid he was certainly happy, but there was no euphoria. He was simply calm. It’s true that the scoreline resulted in a less dramatic conclusion to the tournament, but then Jannik is simply in unstoppable form. The 24-year-old’s formidable performances are beginning to resemble the manner in which Novak Djokovic dominated in years gone by.

What we saw on Sunday, not just on the court but also in his subsequent declarations, was the work of a true champion. If anything defines this athlete, who once looked destined to become a skier but chose tennis instead, it is sacrifice and hard work: “I’m glad to keep believing in myself. I’m delivering every day, in every practice session, trying to do the right things with the right discipline. To do so, you need the right team around you, and I have it. I’m very happy, also for the team, this means a lot to all of us”.

Regarding the astonishing numbers he is producing, Jannik is not getting carried away: ” I’m grateful for the compliments, but I don’t live for records. In fact, at home we never talk about that. There is a lot of work, routine, and discipline. I like this journey, I like the process. Sometimes you have good days, some are worse, but I always try to give my all. One day can change everything. I don’t compare myself to other players. I try to be the best version of myself. Every day is different” he added regarding what people are saying about his records: “I’m aware of what the big three accomplished, but I can’t put myself in that group”.

Still, the Italian acknowledges he is fully aware of the magnitude of his accomplishments but, he says, there is no secret sauce: “There’s a lot of work behind this”, Sinner admitted when describing his achievement. “It’s incredible to have won five Masters 1000 consecutively. I’m doing amazing things, playing very well. I’m happy to keep believing in myself, to keep working with the team I have. A lot of dedication and sacrifice every day. Obviously, it means a lot to me to see these results. At some point, it will end; it’s normal. If my level drops, I’ll be overtaken very quickly”, he concluded humbly.

He was also understanding of Zverev’s performance and played down what must have been a painful conclusion: “Sascha was more tired and perhaps that made him more nervous. It happens to me too. The break was very quick and I think that helped me. I was solid and as a result, I was able to win the final”.

The Italian may not be one to wear his heart on his sleeve, but that does not mean he doesn’t have one. In fact, he’s very family-oriented. This Sunday, Mother’s Day in Spain, he expressed his admiration for his parents: “I consider myself very fortunate. When I was thirteen, I left home, and that’s very hard for a mother to accept. It was tough for me, but even harder for them. I’ve missed being with them. When they’re no longer there, I’ll miss them, so I’m proud to have them. My family has never changed. My parents see me as I am; it’s a safe environment.”

Finally, he wanted to say goodbye to the Madrid crowd: “Thank you for giving me incredible support. I’m very happy to have come here. See you next year!”. Let’s hope so, Jannik, ci vediamo presto.