Jannik Sinner’s Ex-Coach Names Two Players With the Best Physical Shape Heading into the 2026 Season
Jannik Sinner will be the favorite heading into the Australian Open 2026.
Follow Us
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)
🔍 Explore this post with:
Jannik Sinner’s ex-coach, Marco Panichi, has named the two players on tour who have the best physiques. Interestingly, both of those players have been associated with him.
Panichi believes that Sinner and Novak Djokovic are the two players with the best physical shape. However, he also believes that Fabio Fognini is up there in terms of athletic ability. Fognini retired after Wimbledon last year. He told La Repubblica:
I come from athletics. A tennis player should be like a good decathlete: neither too resistant nor explosive. Something in between. Djokovic and Sinner are the two players in the best physical shape, but in terms of athletic ability, Fognini was impressive. Like Rune: you can’t fool him with a drop shot. It’s a pleasure to see how powerfully Jasmine Paolini moves. The legs of Iga Swiatek are the best on the circuit. Emma Navarro also has great potential.
Interestingly, Panichi has snubbed both Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka in his mentions. The duo is the current World No. 1s of the ATP and WTA Tours, but for Panichi, they are not at the same level in terms of athletic ability.
Panichi enjoyed a decade-long working relationship with Djokovic before working briefly with Sinner. He was also associated with Holger Rune on the ATP Tour.
Carlos Alcaraz beats Jannik Sinner in prestigious award rankings
Carlos Alcaraz has scored another off-court victory over Jannik Sinner ahead of the 2026 season.
The Spaniard dominated their rivalry in 2025. He won four of their meetings.
Alcaraz finished the year as world number one for the second time. Sinner will get another chance soon. They are set to meet at an exhibition in South Korea, just before the Australian Open.
Each year, L’Equipe publishes its Champions of Champions rankings. Past winners include Lionel Messi, Novak Djokovic, and Leon Marchand.
In 2025, Tadej Pogacar topped the list with 821 points. Alcaraz placed third with 252 points, edging Sinner again after winning the French Open and US Open.
Jannik Sinner shares thoughts on his 2025 season
World No.2 Jannik Sinner recently shared a New Year’s message with his fans. He reflected on the highs and lows of his 2025 season. The Italian described the year as intense and unforgettable.
The world number two thanked his family and close circle. He spoke about their support during challenging moments. Sinner also expressed hope about returning stronger on the court. The message was shared through a short Instagram video. It featured clips from across the season. Moments of celebration were mixed with scenes of disappointment.
Guys, what a year it has been. Some highs that felt incredible, and some lows that were very difficult to accept. But throughout this whole year, I don’t see only results. I see big lessons. I’m really thankful for my whole team, my family, and all of you guys, for all the support you gave me throughout the whole year, it really means the world to me. For now, I wish everyone a Happy New Year, celebrate it with the people you love, and see you all very soon again on the court. Ciao Ciao.
Sinner finished 2025 with an impressive 58–6 record. He also holds six wins over Carlos Alcaraz. The Spaniard still leads their rivalry with ten victories.
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)