Jannik Sinner joins Novak Djokovic in historic club after winning Italian Open

Jannik Sinner looks to be the heir apparent to Novak Djokovic as the next standout tennis star hoovering up trophies, with only Carlos Alcaraz able to challenge him for this title.

The Italian is the favourite to lift the next Grand Slam at Roland Garros as Alcaraz is ruled out from participating due to injury, while the Serbian is currently struggling with his fitness as he comes into the French Open.

Djokovic has dominated the sport, as he has claimed 24 Grand Slam titles throughout his career, but has failed to win one since 2023 with the emergence of Sinner and Alcaraz.

The Serb had set many records during his period of dominance, yet one of those records is under threat from the 24-year-old as he has now equalled one with victory in the Italian Open.

World No. 1 Sinner became the first Italian man in 50 years to win the Italian Open when he defeated Casper Ruud on Sunday afternoon.

Adriano Panatta was the last Italian to win the competition when he did so in 1976, and his compatriot did it this Sunday in 2026.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) greets Italy's Jannik Sinner after winning their men's singles semi-final match on day thirteen of the Australian Open (Getty Images)

This was not the only notable achievement of Sinner, as he secured his 29th consecutive victory and his 34th in a row in ATP Masters 1000 events and has now joined Novak Djokovic as the only men to win all nine 1000 titles.

The Serbian did not achieve this feat until he was 31 years old, while Sinner has managed to do this at just 24, with the pair being part of this exclusive club in winning all the ATP Masters events.

As Sinner has just completed this achievement, he will have his ambitions set on adding to this, as Djokovic has won the entire set twice and is just another Monte Carlo victory from completing the set thrice.

The Italian has now won the last six ATP Masters 1000 events, with five of those coming in 2026.

Following his victory in the post-match, Sinner said: “Casper first of all, congrats to you and your whole team. It’s great to see you back playing the highest level of our sport. Now the most important tournament for you personally is coming up. I wish you only the best. I’m very happy for you that things are going very well for you off the court, for you and your fiancée. Wish you only the best for future events.”