The recent Wimbledon final between Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has prompted extensive controversy, similar to the heated disputes that preceded Roland Garros. The tennis world is once again at a crossroads, with many questioning the sport’s future.
Enter Mats Wilander, a former world number one and seven-time Grand Slam champion, whose remarks are as powerful as a well-placed backhand. In an interview, Wilander expressed his enthusiasm for the Italian sensation, saying, “I’ve never seen anyone play as aggressively as Sinner.” He always strives to get to the ball swiftly. Many others hit harder, but nobody gets to the ball as quickly as Jannik without waiting for it to drop.” The compliments flowed off his tongue as easily as a forehand winner.
Wilander went on to describe Sinner’s game as a foreshadowing of tennis’s next chapter, claiming, “I believe his tennis is five to ten years ahead of the evolution I expected in the sport.” With its strong appreciation, this imaginative declaration aims to foresee tennis’ future course.
Wilander, an expert, believes Sinner, rather than Alcaraz, is the light for the younger generation to follow. While Alcaraz dazzles with skill that appears to have been bestowed by the tennis gods, Wilander believes Sinner’s method is reachable and replicable. “The sinner will become a role model. Alcaraz’s style of play takes exceptional talent, which not everyone possesses. But everyone can play like Sinner—it doesn’t take special talent, just a lot of devotion,” he said, leaving the message hanging in the air like a perfectly spun lob.
