Legendary coach Brad Gilbert has delivered one of the boldest compliments yet to Jannik Sinner, comparing the 24-year-old Italian to both Andre Agassi and Novak Djokovic.
Speaking on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast, Gilbert said Sinner’s level is “outrageous” and insisted the Italian still has plenty of room to grow.
“Agassi and Djokovic in a blender”
Gilbert, who helped guide Agassi to multiple Grand Slam titles and later worked with Coco Gauff, knows elite talent when he sees it.
“If you put Agassi and Djokovic in a blender, you get Sinner,” Gilbert said. “His level is outrageous right now, and the most shocking thing is he’s nowhere near the finished product.”
Sinner, who turned 24 in August, has already claimed four Grand Slam titles since the start of 2024 and is locked in an era-defining rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz.
A mature mindset beyond his years
According to Gilbert, what sets Sinner apart isn’t just his clean ball-striking but also his mentality.
“He seems like a much older soul than he is,” Gilbert explained. “He is always talking about how to get better. Rafa [Nadal] was like that. Very humble and motivated.”
Gilbert also noted that having Alcaraz as a direct rival forces Sinner to stay sharp:
“If he doesn’t keep improving, Alcaraz might eclipse him. That keeps him motivated.”
The two-man race at the top
Since the beginning of 2024, Grand Slams have been dominated by only two names: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Each has collected four majors, with no one else breaking through.
Gilbert believes this dominance isn’t a coincidence.
“They’ve separated themselves from the pack,” he said. “I don’t see anyone beating both of them back-to-back in a Slam right now.”
Why the Agassi–Djokovic comparison matters
- Agassi was known for his razor-sharp returns and taking the ball early.
- Djokovic is considered the best returner in history, with unmatched flexibility and defensive skills.
- Sinner, Gilbert argues, combines both qualities—explosive offense with the patience and balance to outlast anyone on the baseline.
This rare mix explains why Sinner is seen as one of the few players capable of matching Alcaraz shot for shot.
Looking ahead
With the rivalry at full tilt and both players still in their early 20s, tennis may be entering another golden era. If Sinner continues to evolve, the Agassi–Djokovic comparison may not just be a compliment—it could be a preview of his career trajectory.
For now, though, Gilbert’s words underline one thing: Jannik Sinner is not only already great, but his best may still be ahead.
