Mats Wilander backs Jannik Sinner as favourite on any surface after US Open triumph

Mats Wilander’s endorsement of Jannik Sinner as the top favorite on any surface highlights the Italian’s impressive form. Sinner’s dominant win at the US Open, where he triumphed over Taylor Fritz, underscores his remarkable year, having already secured the Australian Open and two other titles. This performance has cemented his status as a formidable player in the current tennis landscape.

Jannik Sinner’s straight-sets victory over Taylor Fritz—6-3, 6-4, 7-5—has solidified his position as World No. 1, extending his lead over second-placed Alexander Zverev to over 4,000 points. This triumph at Flushing Meadows is particularly notable given the uncertainty surrounding Sinner earlier in the year due to his two positive doping tests in March. His successful season and recent Grand Slam win reflect his resilience and exceptional form.

Despite Jannik Sinner’s positive doping tests earlier in the year, he was permitted to continue competing on the Tour after no voluntary violation was found. This decision, however, sparked controversy. Some players have criticized the perceived preferential treatment Sinner received, especially in light of the lengthy suspensions that others have faced under similar circumstances.

Mats Wilander lauded Jannik Sinner for his ability to stay focused and perform admirably despite the off-court controversies. In an interview with Eurosport, Wilander emphasized Sinner’s hard work and rapid rise in tennis, noting his recent achievements, including winning the Australian Open and becoming World No. 1. While acknowledging Sinner’s evident progress, Wilander also tempered expectations by pointing out that continued success isn’t guaranteed.

Mats Wilander highlighted Jannik Sinner’s resilience, particularly on crucial points, and noted that the early controversy surrounding the doping issue has largely been forgotten. He also pointed out Taylor Fritz’s underwhelming performance in the final. Sinner has now maintained the No. 1 ranking for 14 consecutive weeks and is well-positioned to finish the year as the top player. With a substantial lead of 2,885 points over Alexander Zverev in the ATP Race and only two Masters 1000 events plus the ATP Finals remaining, it seems almost certain thatSinner will start 2025 as the World No. 1.