Former ATP star speaks frankly about Jannik Sinner's weaknesses compared to Alcaraz and Djokovic

14/10/2025 10:52:00 sport

No one doubts Jannik Sinner’s talent and caliber. However, the Italian player clearly is not a "winning machine." A former ATP star has just pointed out his weaknesses.

Former ATP star Paolo Bertolucci identifies Sinner’s weaknesses

Jannik Sinner’s forced withdrawal at the 2025 Shanghai Masters once again confirms that the Italian player is "somewhat physically fragile," according to former ATP star Paolo Bertolucci.

The world No. 2 retired due to cramping while trailing Tallon Griekspoor 3-2 in the deciding set during the third round of the ATP Masters 1000 in Shanghai last week.

After narrowly losing a prolonged second set, Sinner appeared visibly tired, moved heavily, and struggled with cramps from the early rallies in the third set. He decided to retire after losing a break in the fifth game.

Former ATP star Paolo Bertolucci evaluates that Jannik Sinner does not have the physical endurance comparable to Alcaraz and Djokovic

Sinner was among seven players who had to withdraw midway through this year’s tournament, amid harsh playing conditions in Shanghai marked by high heat and oppressive humidity.

However, failing to complete the match led Sinner — the 2024 champion — to unintentionally set a sad milestone: becoming the first defending Masters 1000 champion in history to retire mid-match more than once.

Notably, just weeks earlier at the Cincinnati Masters, Sinner — also the defending champion then — had to stop in the final while trailing Carlos Alcaraz 0-5 in the first set.

Commenting on his younger colleague’s latest loss, former world No. 12 Paolo Bertolucci said that although Sinner has won four Grand Slam titles, he still has not reached the endurance level of top rivals Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic.

"It’s unfortunate, because Sinner had a great opportunity at this tournament," Bertolucci said on Sky Sport Italy. "He is somewhat fragile. Sometimes cramps, sometimes stomach pain, then elbow issues, blisters, and hips. Overall, the problems are becoming too many.

"He does not have the stable physical base like Djokovic or Alcaraz — that is now very clear, no surprise at all. But there’s no need to worry excessively. I repeat, even in this ‘tragedy,’ we are still talking about the world No. 2."

Bertolucci also criticized Sinner’s dense late-season schedule, especially his participation in the China Open in Beijing.

"All of this happens within just a month and a half," he said. "I wonder if this exhausting stretch is truly necessary? Is it really essential to go to Beijing? I know the answer: points, ranking, the goal of world No. 1... But is it worth sacrificing all that?"

The former Italian player also recalled that Sinner was once banned briefly due to a "stupid" doping penalty, which shortened his season, but he believes this did not change the core issue.

According to Bertolucci, if Sinner does not soon adjust his scheduling and manage his physical condition better, the risk of recurring injuries and physical setbacks will continue to trouble the 24-year-old in important upcoming tournaments.

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