Alexander Zverev makes massive Novak Djokovic & Jannik Sinner comparison; Italian replies

Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev both spoke up about the Italian's game in terms of its similarities to that of the legendary Novak Djokovic. Sinner and Zverev voiced their respective takes on the subject after the former's successful Australian Open title defense. Sinner registered a 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 win over the German in the final.

In his post-match press conference, Zverev was asked to share his thoughts on Sinner and how the Italian compares to the likes of Rafael Nadal and Djokovic. According to Zverev, the Italian's general level of play right now is similar to how the Serb played in his prime. Furthermore, the World No. 2 admitted that in the 2025 Australian Open men's singles final, he was nowhere near the level Sinner was operating at.

"He's very, very similar to Novak when he was at his best. They barely miss, like barely miss. They make you think like you have to overhit all the time to have a chance in a rally against them. It's very, very difficult to win a point from the back of the court against them, against Novak and him," Zverev said.

"Move obviously tremendous. They're constantly on the baseline. They don't give you any space. They don't give you any time. Yeah, I mean, just right now too good for me. Again, I'll do everything I can to be able to compete with them and to lift the trophy, but today was nowhere near good enough," he added.

During Jannik Sinner's post-match presser, the Italian was made aware of Alexander Zverev's comments. Not only did he appreciate the opinion, but he also laid bare how the Serb was one of his inspirations growing up. However, the reigning World No. 1 maintained that his and Djokovic's respective games are ultimately unique.

"It’s an amazing compliment... I still believe when Novak plays at his best it’s very tough to beat him. Game style wise I looked up to him... I still believe we are different as players," Jannik Sinner said.

In November last year, Patrick Mouratoglou, a former coach of the legendary Serena Williams, referred to Jannik Sinner as "Novak Djokovic 2.0".

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"Same qualities as Novak Djokovic" - Patrick Mouratoglou on Jannik Sinner

Patrick Mouratoglou (Source: Getty)

According to Serena Williams' ex-coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who is currently coaching Naomi Osaka, Jannik Sinner at his current level of play is an evolved version of Novak Djokovic. The iconic French coach shared this take in November 2024, via Tennis Majors.

"I think it makes sense to call him Djokovic 2.0 because movement, counterpunching, unbelievable. Same qualities as Novak and I think he added 2.0 because he is playing faster by taking the balls earlier. He is moving up all the time," Mouratoglou said.

Interestingly, Sinner got the better of Djokovic in the semifinals of last year's Australian Open. The Italian then went on to remarkably come back from a two-set deficit against Daniil Medvedev in the final to clinch his maiden Grand Slam title.