In a shocking revelation that is sending ripples through the tennis world, Boris Becker has delivered a scathing critique of rising star Jannik Sinner, asserting that the young Italian’s game has stagnated to a concerning degree. The four-time Grand Slam champion did not hold back in his assessment, highlighting that Sinner’s style has become alarmingly predictable, especially in his encounters with the formidable Carlos Alcaraz.
The 2023 season has been a rough ride for Sinner, who has faced defeat in five of his seven tournaments, with a staggering four of those losses coming at the hands of Alcaraz in final showdowns. The latest blow came just this past Sunday when Alcaraz triumphed over Sinner with a scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, 6-4, securing his second US Open title and marking his sixth Grand Slam victory overall. These results have raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the future trajectory of Sinner’s career.
Their head-to-head record reveals a stark reality: Alcaraz boasts four wins against Sinner this year alone, and an overall 10-5 advantage in their encounters. Following their latest clash, Sinner candidly admitted to playing “predictably,” a statement that Becker wholeheartedly echoed.
On the Becker-Petkovic podcast, Becker expressed his disappointment: “I’m someone who always feels the need to tell the truth. So I was a little disappointed. I expected more. But of course, I wasn’t disappointed with Alcaraz because he really has learned a lot. He plays better tennis today than he did a year ago.” He praised Alcaraz’s evolution, noting the Spaniard’s enhanced variety, including adept serve and volley tactics and a backhand slice that keeps opponents guessing.
Becker’s stark observation about Sinner’s predictability raises serious concerns. “He (Jannik) is predictable now, you know exactly what’s going to happen to him. And it’s not so bad that I see it that way. It’s worse for him that Alcaraz sees it that way,” Becker cautioned, suggesting that Sinner’s current style could be his undoing in high-stakes matches.
In light of this critique, Sinner has acknowledged the need for change. He revealed plans to revamp his approach to the game, emphasizing a shift in focus from immediate results to a broader, long-term strategy. As he contemplates his next steps, fans and analysts alike are left wondering whether Sinner can adapt and rise to the occasion, or if he will remain locked in a battle against predictability in a sport that demands constant evolution. The tennis community is watching closely, eager to see how this young talent responds to the pressures of the elite game.
