Tennis Legend Boris Becker Labels World Number One Jannik Sinner An Extraterrestrial Force Ahead Of Madrid

Former world No 1 Boris Becker predicts Jannik Sinner will win the Madrid Open, describing the Italian's current form as being from "another planet."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 3:52 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

A Historic Surge Toward Seasonal Dominance

The 2026 ATP season has transformed into a showcase of individual brilliance as Jannik Sinner arrives in the Spanish capital with a formidable 24-2 match record. Following a dominant run through the "Sunshine Double" in the United States, the 24-year-old successfully transitioned to the European clay courts with a maiden title in Monte Carlo. This victory allowed Sinner to reclaim the world number one ranking for the first time since late 2025, solidifying his status as the premier player in men's tennis. According to Boris Becker, the Italian is currently performing at a level that surpasses any previous iteration of his game, characterized by a clinical efficiency that has seen him drop only a single set across three consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments.

The Evolution of a Baseline Architect

In his assessment for Eurosport Spain, Becker likened Sinner’s tactical approach to a modernized version of Novak Djokovic, referring to the world number one as "Djokovic 2.0." This comparison stems from Sinner's unwavering consistency from the baseline and his ability to dismantle elite opponents with rapid, high-intensity exchanges. Becker noted that the Italian’s transition from the hard courts of Indian Wells and Miami to the red dirt of Monte Carlo was virtually seamless, a feat rarely achieved with such statistical dominance. By winning the first three Masters events of the calendar year, Sinner joined Djokovic as the only other player to accomplish the feat, specifically matching the Serbian’s historic 2015 run.

Favorable Draw Amidst Major Rivalry Disruptions

The competitive landscape of the Madrid Open has been significantly altered by the withdrawal of world number two Carlos Alcaraz, who remains sidelined with a right wrist injury. Alcaraz’s absence removes Sinner’s most significant threat from the bracket, positioning the Italian as the heavy favorite to secure his first title at the Caja Magica. Despite this advantage, Sinner’s history in Madrid has been relatively modest, with his deepest run occurring in 2024 when he reached the quarterfinal stage. As he prepares to face a qualifier in the second round, the narrative has shifted from whether he can adapt to the altitude of Madrid to whether any player in the current field possesses the tools to halt his momentum.