Jannik Sinner says if he thinks Alex de Minaur can become a top-five player after knocking him out of the ATP Finals
Jannik Sinner marched into the final of the ATP Finals on Saturday night with a commanding victory over Alex de Minaur — and afterwards offered a thoughtful assessment of the Australian’s future, including whether he believes the world No. 8 can break into the sport’s most elite tier.
Sinner, who has been nearly unstoppable all season indoors, delivered a clinical 7–5, 6–3 win in front of a raucous Italian crowd. Yet while the result was decisive, his post-match remarks showed a deep respect for the opponent he just eliminated.
“He keeps improving — and that’s what matters”
Asked directly in the mixed zone whether he sees de Minaur as a potential top-five player, Sinner’s response was measured but complimentary.
“Alex is improving every year. He’s a very tough player to beat. If he keeps going like this, he can push higher for sure. Top five is difficult for anyone — but the way he’s playing, nothing is impossible.”
It was classic Sinner: grounded, understated, but sincere. He highlighted de Minaur’s elite movement, defensive anticipation, and growing offensive bravery — all qualities that have carried the Aussie to his first ATP Finals semi-final.
De Minaur: “I haven’t hit my peak”
De Minaur, who reached the knockout stages for the first time, admitted frustration at the defeat but insisted his upward trajectory remains intact.
“I still think I’ve got more to give. I haven’t hit my peak yet.”
He praised Sinner’s returning as the decisive factor, calling the Italian “the best in the world at putting pressure on every service game.”
Sinner dominant when it matters
The match itself followed a familiar pattern in their rivalry: de Minaur hung with Sinner early, matching him stride for stride through a tense opening set. But once Sinner earned a late break at 6–5, the momentum shifted sharply.
In the second set, the world No. 2 took control with devastating precision on return, breaking twice and tightening the screws on de Minaur’s service games.
Sinner revealed afterwards that he expected a physical battle.
“Alex always makes you work for every point. He moves so well, and he’s fearless. You have to be patient against him.”
Top-five debate: realistic or hopeful?
The question of whether de Minaur can break into the top 5 has hovered for over a year. He has cracked the top 10 twice, won a Masters 1000 title in Canada, and reached multiple finals on fast courts — but the leap into the sport’s elite tier has remained elusive.
Sinner didn’t shut the door on the possibility, but he acknowledged the challenge:
“The level at the top is incredibly high. To get there, you need consistency every week. But Alex has the work ethic. He’s showing it.”
A rivalry with room to grow
The two have now met 10 times, with Sinner holding a commanding lead, but their contests have sharpened as de Minaur has added muscle and aggression to his game.
Both players spoke respectfully about the head-to-head after the match, with Sinner noting:
“He always pushes me to play my best. That’s the kind of rivalry you want.”
Bottom line
Sinner’s path to the final was emphatic, but his verdict on de Minaur was just as telling: admiration, caution, and belief — without overstating it.
De Minaur may not be a top-five player yet, but according to the man who just stopped his Turin run, the door isn’t closed.
And in a season where both have reached new heights, this rivalry feels like it has plenty more chapters to come.
