Boris Becker on Jannik Sinner: 'He's a man to beat for a long time' | ATP Tour

There is no 1 club

Becker on Sinner: 'He's a man to beat for a long time'

Becker, Gaudenzi celebrate ATP No. 1 Club

November 11, 2024

Alongside the ATP Year-End No. 1 by Jannik Sinner presented by the PIF event on Monday evening at the Nitto ATP Finals, former World No. 1 Boris Becker and ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi revealed the 'ATP No. 1 Club' first, created to celebrate. Past and present ATP players who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.

“It was my dream as a kid to be the best,” Becker said. “You really don't believe it. It took me a few years. I was No. 2 before I became No. 1. But being among the greats and champions of tennis is very important.”

According to Becker, he never thought as a child that climbing to the top was possible.

“I would say, 'You're crazy. It's impossible',” Becker said. “But we're here and I'm very happy for Andrea to be with the No. 1 team. 1 because it is also history for the young players — who were here before, who slowly paved the way to have tournaments like [Nitto] ATP Finals in Torino.”

Gaudenzi talked about the newly launched Club and why it is so important to honor the World No. 1s.

“Reaching World No.1 is a great achievement in our game,” said Gaudenzi. “It takes excellence and consistency in 52 weeks to climb to the top of the highest mountain. Only 29 players have done it, from Ilie Nastase in 1973, to our new number 1 Jannik Sinner.

“Our sport has an amazing legacy and we are proud to present this Club No. 1 to celebrate and honor our great champions for years to come.”

Becker and Gaudenzi then welcomed Sinner to the court in the eyes of the Italian fans. Becker, who remains close to the game as a coach and commentator, was highly complimentary of the Italian and his rise.

“Actually, it's not really surprising. I have known him for many years and he has always been talented, but what stood out was his determination,” said Becker. “He always puts everything on the line in tennis. He lived and breathed tennis, he left home at the age of 13 to become the best tennis player he could be.”

Sinner owns a record of 66-6 this season and seven titles, including his two major victories (Australian Open and US Open).

“The consistency he has [at] “Only 23 years is amazing,” said Becker. “He always has a level, he never goes below that level again, I'm not surprised. I think he will stay around No. 1 for a long time. Yes, we have Alcaraz and we have many others. But I think he's the one to beat for a long time.”