Blueprint to beating Jannik Sinner already out there and Carlos Alcaraz was not the one who showed it, says ATP star

Tallon Griekspoor apparently cracked the secret to beating Jannik Sinner on the court, as the World No. 2 has been giving everyone a run for their money. Even No.1 Carlos Alcaraz lost to Sinner in the year-end Championships this year.

Jannik Sinner has been unstoppable since he first won his Grand Slam at the 2024 Australian Open. Although he had tough losses to Carlos Alcaraz, he has displayed phenomenal performances across all surfaces, demonstrating a very well-rounded and complete skillset. He won the Grand Slam titles in Melbourne and Wimbledon this year, among other tour-level titles.

At the Shanghai Masters, where he won the title in 2024, Sinner took on Tallon Griekspoor in the third round but retired due to cramping. The latter advanced to the next round but fell to Valentin Vacherot. Despite benefiting from the Italian's health issues in Shanghai, the Dutch player lost to him in the remaining six face-offs.

In a recent interview with Tennis Bolshoi, Griekspoor discussed the tricks needed to outclass Sinner, currently the toughest task on the tour and one even Alcaraz couldn’t pinpoint.

"I think that’s currently the toughest question in tennis. I have an idea in mind, like many other players, but it’s very difficult to maintain that tactic for two or three hours, let alone five sets. He’s the best returner on the tour right now, and you also have to push with the second set, otherwise nine times out of ten, the point is his. Bublik beat him in Halle, and I think he showed the perfect game plan on a fast court to win. You have to be aggressive, not give him any rhythm, force him out of his comfort zone, and hope he has an off day, which doesn’t happen often.”

Jannik Sinner also defended his Six Kings Slam title this year, defeating Alcaraz for the second time in a row in the exhibition match.

Serena Williams' ex-coach revealed what Jannik Sinner has that even the 'Big Three' lack

Jannik Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Day 8 - Source: Getty

Jannik Sinner has not only dominated the courts but has also received acclaim from enthusiasts and coaches around the world. Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams, noted that Sinner’s serve+1 and return+1 combination is something even the Big Three: Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic do not possess, and Alcaraz has to improve his game in the 2026 season.

"If he [Carlos Alcaraz] wants to dominate 2026, improvements must start with the first two shots, serve, and return. Because Jannik is currently No.1 in the world in serve+1 AND return+1. That's unique. We've had players dominate one side of that equation, Roger on serve+1, Rafa and Novak on the return, but never both. This is something new in tennis history," he said.

Jannik Sinner missed the Davis Cup this year, but Italy triumphed, nonetheless. He will next be in contention for title defense at the Australian Open.