Boris Becker Discusses Jannik Sinner’s Sensational Form Heading into the 2026 Madrid Open

Former World No.1 Boris Becker has declared that Jannik Sinner is from another planet ahead of the Madrid Open. Several top 10 players have pulled out of the Madrid Open, giving the Italian star a unique position to win the title for the first time in his career. Becker believes he’s the overwhelming favorite to lift the Masters 1000 title.

Sinner has already won three Masters 1000 titles this season. In fact, he has not suffered a loss in an ATP 1000 match since the Rolex Shanghai Masters in October last year. The 24-year-old claimed the Indian Wells Open and then completed the Sunshine Double after winning the Miami Open last month.

He was the second favorite to claim the Monte Carlo Masters earlier this month, with his arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz being the favorite. But the World No.1 stunned the Spaniard in straight sets to claim his first clay title in two years. Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have withdrawn from the Madrid Open, giving Sinner a swift chance to win his second clay title of the season.

Aside from that, defending champion Casper Ruud, Taylor Fritz, and last year’s runner-up Jack Draper have all withdrawn from the Madrid Open. This is the second consecutive season that Alcaraz has not played at the Spanish capital. He sustained an injury during his opening match at the Barcelona Open last week.

Should Sinner win the Madrid Open, he’s sure to solidify his position at the World No.1 ahead of the French Open. During a conversation on Eurosport Spain, Becker emphasized that Sinner is in sensational form heading into the Madrid Open. The tennis legend added that the Italian star is Djokovic 2.0 on tour:

Sinner is playing his best tennis right now. I’ve never seen him as strong as he is now. Winning the Sunshine Double and then returning to Europe on clay, winning Monte Carlo and practically not losing a set, it’s incredible. He’s in top form and I think he might win in Madrid too, especially now that Alcaraz is injured. He’s from another planet. I call Sinner ‘Djokovic 2.0’, with a similar style from the baseline, very consistent. Plus, he wins his matches quickly.

The last player to defeat Sinner other than Alcaraz and Djokovic was Jakub Mensik at the Doha Open. The Czech Republic star will hope to face Sinner at the Madrid Open, but that can only happen if he reaches the final. He’s on the same side of the draw as Alexander Zverev, and he’s projected to face the German star in the round of 16.

Jannik Sinner says he feels physically at his best heading into the Madrid Open

Jannik Sinner’s hunt for a clay title lasted almost four years on tour. The reason for his struggle on the surface is the physical conditions of the clay tournaments. He has struggled with cramps on several occasions on clay. He withdrew from the Madrid Open in 2024 due to injury and physical problems.

However, this season, he has been better physically. He was not expected to play at the Monte Carlo Masters after completing the Sunshine Double, but he not only competed in Monaco but also won the title. Speaking to reporters at the Madrid Open, he admitted that he’s in his best physical shape and will give his best on the court:

I feel pretty good. Now we’re trying to prepare as well as we can. The plan is to play and compete as well as possible. I’ll take it day by day. I have the challenge of Roland Garros in the back of my mind, where I’ll try to arrive in optimal shape. I’m here to give my best.

Sinner will kick off his campaign at the Madrid Open against Benjamin Bonzi or Titouan Droguet in the second round. The Italian star is projected to face American Tommy Paul in the fourth round and a likely clash with Munich Open champion Ben Shelton in the semi-final of the tournament.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic Recalls Iconic ‘Not Too Bad’ Comment During Laureus 2026 Opening Speech

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