Diego Schwartzman said that Jannik Sinner was the most intimidating player he faced during his playing days on the ATP Tour. According to Schwartzman, Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz can do things with their bodies that not even the legendary Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic could do.
Sinner was on the cusp of winning several important events in recent years. However, more often than not, the Italian seemed to come up short when it mattered most, especially against the biggest players in deep stages of tournaments. Things radically changed in the second half of 2023 though, with Sinner seemingly growing in confidence and winning a handful of ATP Tour-level events.
This year, Jannik Sinner has arguably been the most consistent men’s tennis player in the world. Not only has the Italian won his first two Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, but he has also consolidated his position at the top of the ATP Tour rankings.
Recently, Argentine former World No. 8 Diego Schwartzman appeared as a guest on the Nothing Major podcast and was asked about the most intimidating player he faced on the ATP Tour. The 32-year-old, who called time on his career earlier this year, chose Jannik Sinner and hailed his on-court attributes.
“Let’s choose one of the new guys. I think Sinner. I played him a few times. He wasn’t even top 10 yet. I was saying ‘Come on… what is this guy?’ Sliding, power.. movement.. everything. It’s scary,” Schwartzman said.
The ATP Tour has been dominated for the past two decades by three titans—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic—often referred to as the “Big Three.” These players set unprecedented standards in tennis, winning countless Grand Slam titles and rewriting the sport’s history. However, as the Big Three have either retired (in the case of Federer), are injury-prone (like Nadal), or are slowly nearing the ends of their careers, the tennis world has been eager to see who will step up next. Enter Jannik Sinner, an Italian sensation who has been making waves and capturing the imagination of fans and players alike.
Former World No. 8 Diego Schwartzman recently spoke about Sinner’s impact on the sport. In a candid interview on the Nothing Major podcast, Schwartzman expressed his awe over the athletic prowess of the 22-year-old Italian. Despite Schwartzman himself being an experienced competitor on the ATP Tour, he admitted that Sinner’s talent left him “scared.” For Schwartzman, it was not just Sinner’s shot-making abilities, but his all-around attributes—his agility, power, and technique—that stood out.
“Let’s choose one of the new guys,” Schwartzman said. “I think Sinner. I played him a few times. He wasn’t even top 10 yet. I was saying, ‘Come on… what is this guy?’ Sliding, power, movement… everything. It’s scary.”
Schwartzman’s admiration is particularly telling. Coming from a player who has competed against Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic, this endorsement speaks volumes. In fact, Schwartzman’s assessment implies that Sinner possesses physical abilities and movement that are unique even by the high standards of the Big Three.
While players like Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic dominated with grace, strength, and tactical intelligence, Sinner and Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz bring something unique to the table. Schwartzman’s statement underlines a key aspect of the modern game: the physicality and movement that younger players like Sinner and Alcaraz can achieve are almost superhuman.
For instance, while Djokovic is known for his flexibility and defensive skill, Sinner’s ability to slide into shots on hard courts and hit powerful winners from difficult positions is a sight to behold. His movement, combined with his 6’2” frame, allows him to cover the court exceptionally well. Unlike the baseline-dominated style that characterized much of Nadal and Djokovic’s peak years, Sinner’s game integrates speed, raw power, and an aggressive style that keeps opponents off balance.
Similarly, Carlos Alcaraz has shown a remarkable ability to combine speed with creative shot-making. His technique allows him to hit audacious winners from impossible positions. While both Sinner and Alcaraz bring their own unique styles to the court, they share an impressive physicality that often leaves their opponents struggling to keep up.
The road to success hasn’t been without its hurdles for Jannik Sinner. Although he has shown glimpses of brilliance in recent years, he often came up short in the latter stages of tournaments. There were several heartbreaking losses in matches against top players, particularly in the deep rounds. However, 2023 has marked a distinct turning point for Sinner.
During the first half of 2023, Sinner finally translated his potential into results. At the Australian Open, he fought through a tough draw and went on to claim his first Grand Slam title, a victory that sent a powerful message to the tennis world: Jannik Sinner is here, and he is ready to win. His success continued at the US Open, where he displayed a blend of patience, resilience, and attacking power to secure his second Grand Slam title.
These wins were crucial not just for his career, but for his confidence. The mental fortitude that often separates champions from merely great players seemed to blossom in Sinner as he claimed these titles. The Italian’s Grand Slam victories not only solidified his position at the top of the ATP Tour rankings but also showed that he can handle the pressure of big moments. With these achievements, he has arguably become the most consistent player on the ATP Tour in 2023.
Analyzing Sinner’s game reveals a fascinating blend of precision, power, and agility. His serve has grown considerably stronger, allowing him to win more free points. His groundstrokes, especially his forehand, are formidable weapons, and his ability to find acute angles from the baseline forces opponents into awkward positions.
However, perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Sinner’s game is his adaptability. He can seamlessly shift between offense and defense, turning what might be defensive situations into opportunities to hit winners. His court positioning and speed mean that he’s rarely out of a rally; instead, he can redirect the ball with incredible pace, putting opponents under constant pressure.
As Jannik Sinner continues to rise, his success raises the question of whether he could indeed be the player to end Djokovic’s dominance. While Djokovic is still at the peak of his game and remains a favorite at many tournaments, Sinner’s consistency and confidence mean that he is a genuine threat. His head-to-head matchups with Djokovic have shown that he can compete with the best, and as his experience grows, his ability to handle high-stakes matches will likely improve.
It’s also worth noting that Sinner’s rivalry with Alcaraz could define the next decade of men’s tennis. The two young stars have clashed in several high-intensity matches already, each showcasing their unique skill sets and contrasting styles. This rivalry, fueled by mutual respect and fierce competitiveness, could provide tennis fans with thrilling matches that harken back to the epic battles of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic.
Diego Schwartzman’s admiration for Jannik Sinner reflects a broader sentiment within the tennis world: we are witnessing the emergence of a new generation of players capable of changing the sport. Sinner’s physicality, mental toughness, and on-court intelligence make him one of the most intimidating players on the ATP Tour today. His accomplishments in 2023 have proven that he is not just a prospect but a legitimate contender and future star.
As Sinner, Alcaraz, and others continue to improve, it’s possible that the next era of men’s tennis will be even more dynamic and competitive than the last. Schwartzman’s words, then, may be prophetic: in Sinner, we are witnessing something truly special—a player who could redefine what it means to be great in the world of tennis.