“I see a lot of people saying he’s a bit too much of a robot. When you realize how difficult tennis is, if you can make it look robotic, it shows how good you are,” Ruud told the media as tournament play kicked off Sunday.

As Sinner continues to cement his place in tennis history—dominating across multiple surfaces—his peers are increasingly looking to his consistency as the gold standard for the modern game.

After matching Roger Federer’s mark for the longest Masters winning streak with his victory at the Madrid Open, Sinner remains the primary talking point of the tour. Now, all eyes are on the young phenom to see if he can carry this momentum into a high-stakes run at the French Open.

Ben Shelton joins the chorus of praise

Alongside Ruud, American star Ben Shelton also weighed in on Sinner’s recent form and the criticism surrounding his efficiency. “I’ve played him a lot when he’s been hot, and he’s caught fire again. Greatness is defined by what you do over a calendar year. The level he’s sustained tournament after tournament is what’s truly impressive,” Shelton remarked.

With both players vocal in their admiration, Sinner enters the upcoming draw as the undisputed main attraction and the heavy favorite to hoist the trophy on home soil.

Sinner reflects on home-court emotions

With the world No. 1 focused on a deep run in Rome, Sinner shared a rare personal moment regarding having his parents in the stands for his debut. “It’s very nice; I don’t get to see them as often as other players might. I’m very happy to share these moments with them. They’re wonderful parents,“ Sinner told reporters.

By securing the win over Ofner in the Round of 64, Sinner has officially matched Federer’s mark of 29 consecutive victories in Masters 1000 events. He will have the opportunity to surpass the Swiss legend on Monday, May 11, when he faces the winner of the match between Alexei Popyrin and Jakub Mensik.

Currently, Novak Djokovic holds the absolute historical record for the longest Masters winning streak, having secured 31 consecutive wins in 2011 and another 30 between 2014 and 2015. If Sinner reaches the semifinals in Rome, he could potentially stand alone at the top of that list.

Sinner aims for the Career Golden Masters

The Italian is on the verge of rewriting tennis history in the Eternal City. Beyond the winning streak, Sinner is chasing a milestone that would see him join the most elite company in the sport’s history. Should he claim the trophy this week, Sinner would achieve the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.

To date, Djokovic is the only player to have achieved this feat, doing so twice. The 24-time Grand Slam champion first completed the set in 2018 at Cincinnati and repeated the achievement at the same venue in 2020.

Ending a national drought

Sinner also carries the hopes of the home crowd as he looks to make Italian history. If he captures the title, he will become the first Italian man to win in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976, ending a half-century wait for a homegrown champion at the Foro Italico.

Following the loss to the 20-year-old Prizmic, Djokovic snapped a streak of 18 consecutive victories in his opening matches at the Rome Masters 1000. On the other side of the net, Prizmic secured his second-ever win over a Top 10 opponent, adding to his previous upset of Ben Shelton at the Madrid Masters.

Djokovic appeared dominant at the start, cruising through the first set while dropping only two games. However, physical issues became apparent in the second set, visibly hampering his movement across the clay. Prizmic seized the opportunity, shifting to an aggressive style of play and capitalizing on every opening to claim the second set and the eventual decider.

Djokovic won’t play before Roland Garros

During his post-match press conference, the Serb confirmed that he does not intend to play any further tournaments before the French Open. This means he will arrive at the year’s second Grand Slam with only one competitive match played on clay.

“No. This year, no,” said Djokovic when asked if he would enter another event before Roland Garros. “I’ll just go to Paris straight”. The decision is a notable departure from his schedule over the last two seasons, during which he competed in the Geneva Open as a warm-up for Paris.

Djokovic says Rome preparation was ‘not ideal’

While the physical struggles during the second set were evident, Djokovic admitted that his buildup to the Italian Masters was compromised by lingering health concerns.

“I don’t recall the last time I had in the last couple years a preparation where I didn’t have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something,” Djokovic told reporters during his press conference. “It’s kind of a new reality that I have to deal with. Yeah, it is frustrating. At the same time, it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is”.

Ahead of the season’s second Grand Slam, Sinner weighed in on the burgeoning controversy surrounding the Roland Garros prize money distribution. “It’s about respect. We don’t feel it. We’re disappointed. We give more than we receive, not just the top players, but all tennis players,” Sinner stated.

The backlash began last week after Roland Garros officials published the prize pool breakdown for the various rounds and for those who secured a spot in the tournament’s main draw.

While Sinner aims to chase Novak Djokovic’s Career Golden Masters record in Rome, the tennis world remains fixed on the developing labor tension. Sinner is far from the only high-profile star to voice a grievance regarding the French Open’s financial decisions.

Why is the Roland Garros prize money causing a stir?

A perfect storm of circumstances has created a rift in the tennis world, as players remain vocal about their dissatisfaction with the French Open organization’s plans for the upcoming edition.

Here are the five key factors fueling the fire:

1. The players are angry for several reasons: Roland Garros has increased the prize money by almost 9% compared to last year, but here’s what sparked the anger.
2. They consider it insufficient.
3. Nobody notified them or contacted them to discuss the potential increase.
   The Slams only distribute 13-15% of their profits, which they consider unfair (the ATP distributes 22%).
4. They are demanding maternity, injury, and pension insurance, which they currently lack.
5. They want to sit down with the four Slams to negotiate this. They say the players are very angry at not being consulted on anything related to the distribution of Slam prize money, arguing that a 13-15% distribution like the current one is not enough (in other sports, it starts at 30%).

Sabalenka joins the fray

Another titan of the sport has entered the conversation. Aryna Sabalenka was even more blunt in her assessment of the Roland Garros pay structure, escalating the rhetoric significantly.

“I think at some point we will boycott it [Roland Garros], yeah. I feel like that’s going to be the only way to fight for our rights,“ Sabalenka told the media ahead of her debut at the Italian Open.

Unlike many top prospects who peak early, she developed steadily over time, combining tactical intelligence, all-court variety and doubles experience into a style that has often frustrated more powerful opponents on tour.

Still, her journey has rarely followed a straight line. Injuries, ranking fluctuations and long recovery periods have repeatedly interrupted her momentum, forcing her to rebuild at different stages of her career.

How old is Barbora Krejcikova?

Barbora Krejcikova is 30 years old. She was born on December 18, 1995, in Brno, Czech Republic, and turned professional during her teenage years before gradually building one of the most versatile résumés on the WTA Tour.

Although she spent years being recognized primarily as a doubles specialist, her career trajectory changed dramatically in the early 2020s when she emerged as a major singles contender.

Her rise culminated with Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2024, achievements that established her as one of the few active players to succeed at the highest level in both singles and doubles.

How tall is Barbora Krejcikova?

Barbora Krejcikova is 5-foot-10 (1.78 meters) tall. Her height has contributed to a balanced game built around controlled power, strong serving angles, and fluid movement across different surfaces.

Who is Barbora Krejcikova’s coach?

Barbora Krejcikova is currently coached by Pavel Motl, who joined her team after she ended a long coaching partnership with Ales Kartus in 2023. Motl became part of her camp during a period in which she was dealing with injuries while trying to reestablish herself among the WTA elite.

Before Motl, she spent several important years working with Kartus, the coach who guided her during the breakthrough phase of her singles career. Under him, she won the 2021 French Open, reached a career-high ranking of World No. 2, and developed into one of the most tactically versatile players on tour.

Still, the most influential figure in her tennis journey remains former Wimbledon champion Jana Novotna. She famously reached out to him as a teenager by writing her a letter asking for help and mentorship.

The Czech legend later coached and mentored her from 2014 until Novotna’s death in 2017, an experience Krejcikova has repeatedly described as life-changing. His influence continues to shape how she approaches the sport.

Following her Wimbledon title in 2024, she emotionally reflected on seeing her name alongside Novotna’s on the tournament’s honors board, calling back to the conversations they once had about winning on grass courts.

What is Barbora Krejcikova’s current ranking?

As of May 2026, Barbora Krejcikova is ranked No. 53 in the WTA singles rankings. She previously reached a career-high ranking of No. 2 in the world in 2022 during the peak of her post–Roland Garros rise.

Her ranking has fluctuated significantly in recent seasons due largely to injuries and extended absences from competition. Back problems and physical setbacks disrupted portions of both her 2025 and 2026 campaigns, preventing her from consistently defending ranking points earned during deeper tournament runs.

Despite the drop, she remains widely respected on tour because of her ability to compete with elite opponents when healthy. Even outside the Top 10, she continues to be viewed as a dangerous draw thanks to her tactical creativity and Grand Slam pedigree.

How much prize money has Barbora Krejcikova earned?

Barbora Krejcikova has earned more than $17.8 million in career prize money across singles and doubles competition on the WTA Tour. A significant portion of those earnings came during her breakthrough years between 2021 and 2024.

Her Wimbledon title in 2024 alone added a substantial boost to her career earnings, reinforcing her status among the most accomplished Czech players of her generation.

She has also built an elite doubles résumé. Her partnership with fellow Czech player Katerina Siniakova produced multiple Grand Slam doubles titles and helped establish one of the most successful pairings of the modern era.

Barbora Krejcikova’s injury history

Injuries have played a major role in shaping the later stages of Barbora Krejcikova’s career. Over the past few seasons, she has dealt primarily with recurring back issues that forced her to miss extended stretches of competition.

During the 2025 grass-court season, she also battled soreness in her right thigh, which led her to withdraw from Eastbourne shortly before returning to Wimbledon to defend her title.

Later that summer, physical struggles again became visible during Wimbledon, where she appeared hampered by lingering back problems in a third-round loss to Emma Navarro.

She has spoken publicly about the uncertainty created by those injuries. After returning to Wimbledon following months of recovery, she admitted there was a period when she was unsure how her career would continue due to persistent pain in her back.

Barbora Krejcikova’s career highlights

• 2021 French Open Singles Champion: Barbora Krejcikova captured her first Grand Slam singles title at Roland Garros in 2021, defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the final. Entering the tournament outside the main group of favorites, she became one of the most surprising major champions of the decade and completed a breakthrough run that changed the trajectory of her career.

• Completed a Rare Singles-Doubles Sweep at Roland Garros: During the same 2021 French Open, Krejcikova also won the women’s doubles title alongside Katerina Siniakova. Achieving both trophies in Paris placed her in rare company, highlighting the versatility that had already made her one of the tour’s elite doubles specialists.

• Wimbledon Champion in 2024: Krejcikova added a second Grand Slam singles title by winning Wimbledon in 2024, proving her success was not limited to clay courts. Her run on grass showcased her tactical intelligence, net play, and adaptability against some of the strongest players on tour.

• Reached a Career-High Ranking of World No. 2: Following her sustained success in singles competition, Krejcikova climbed to No. 2 in the WTA rankings in 2022. The rise reflected her transition from doubles expert to one of the most complete players in women’s tennis.

• Dominant Doubles Partnership With Katerina Siniakova: Krejcikova and fellow Czech player Katerina Siniakova formed one of the most successful doubles teams of the modern era. Together, they won multiple Grand Slam titles and became known for their chemistry, court awareness, and consistency across surfaces.

• Olympic Gold Medalist: The Czech pair also won Olympic gold in doubles at the Tokyo Olympics, adding one of the sport’s most prestigious achievements to their résumé and strengthening their place among the best doubles partnerships of their generation.

• Multiple WTA 1000 and Tour-Level Titles: Beyond the Grand Slams, Krejcikova has collected several important titles on the WTA Tour, including WTA 1000 victories against elite competition. Her ability to succeed on clay, grass, and hard courts has made her one of the most versatile players of her era.

• Recognized for Her Tactical Style and All-Court Game: Unlike many power-based players on the modern tour, Krejcikova built her reputation through variety, precision, and strategic play. Her touch at the net and doubles background helped shape a distinctive style that continues to stand out in contemporary women’s tennis.

If the World No. 1 lifts the trophy at the Rome Open, he will achieve the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once—joining Djokovic as the only players in history to accomplish the feat.

The key distinction remains that the Serbian legend has done it twice. The 24-time Grand Slam champion first completed the set in 2018 at the Cincinnati Masters, before repeating the achievement at the same tournament in 2020.

Djokovic’s unmatchable Masters record

When it comes to the Masters 1000 circuit, Djokovic stands alone. The Serb has dominated these events, holding the record for the most titles with 40 trophies, a benchmark that currently seems untouchable.

Following the Serbian in the record books are Rafael Nadal (36 titles), Roger Federer (28 titles), Andre Agassi (17 titles), and Andy Murray (14 titles). While the Italian currently has nine Masters trophies in his cabinet, he has the unique chance to match a specific record that no one besides Djokovic has been able to touch.

Sinner breaks Djokovic and Nadal’s streak

In his pursuit of the Career Golden Masters, Sinner has already snatched a record from the hands of both Djokovic and Nadal. With his victory at the Madrid Open, the Italian became the first player in history to win five consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments.

The previous record held by both legends was four consecutive titles. However, a dominant run through Paris (2025), Indian Wells, Miami, Monte-Carlo, and now Madrid has allowed Sinner to set a new standard on the ATP Tour.

[Watch Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev live in the USA on Fubo]

All eyes turn to the 2026 Madrid Open final as number one Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev square off in a marquee showdown expected to deliver high-level drama.

Sinner enters as the favorite after a dominant 6-2, 6-4 semifinal win over Arthur Fils, while Zverev battled past Alexander Blockx 6-2, 7-5 and now looks to pull off an upset against one of the hottest players on tour.

When will the Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev match be played?

Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Open 2026 Final this Sunday, May 3. The action will start at 11:00 AM (ET).

Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev in the USA

Don’t miss this electrifying 2026 Madrid Open clash between Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev live on Fubo. Other options: Tennis Channel.

The current record stands at four consecutive Masters 1000 trophies, a feat Sinner currently shares with Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. The Serbian legend achieved this on three separate occasions, while the Spaniard reached the mark in 2013.

The World No. 1 joined this elite company by sweeping the first three Masters 1000 tournaments of this season, following a win in the final one of 2025. His current streak includes titles in Paris (2025), Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte-Carlo (2026).

Sinner nearing Career Golden Masters

Should he lift the trophy in Madrid, Sinner will also move one step closer to becoming just the second player in history to complete the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once.

If he defeats Zverev, the Italian would only need a victory at the Rome Masters to join Djokovic as the only players to achieve this feat. The Serbian legend first completed the set in 2018 and incredibly repeated the achievement in 2022.

Sinner’s dominance in the ATP Rankings

The World No. 1 is also in a prime position to extend his lead over Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP Rankings. Entering Madrid with no points to defend, Sinner knew he could only gain ground with zero risk of losing points.

By reaching the final, he has already secured 650 points, which could rise to 1,000 with a victory on Sunday. Furthermore, with Alcaraz sidelined for the upcoming Rome Masters and Roland Garros due to injury, Sinner is poised to vastly increase the numerical cushion between himself and his Spanish rival.

[Watch Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk Moller live in the USA on Fubo]

A championship is on the line as Marta Kostyuk and Mirra Andreeva meet in a must-watch final with both players in top form. Kostyuk is coming off a hard-fought semifinal win over Anastasia Potapova, but now faces her toughest challenge against an in-form Andreeva.

The Russian player advanced to the final after a demanding victory over Hailey Baptiste. With both contenders playing at a high level, this matchup has all the makings of a thrilling finish no tennis fan should miss.

When will the Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk match be played?

Mirra Andreeva plays against Marta Kostyuk in the Madrid Open 2026 Women’s Final this Saturday, May 2. The action will start at 11:00 AM (ET).

Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Mirra Andreeva vs Marta Kostyuk in the USA

Don’t miss this electrifying 2026 Madrid Open clash between Mirra Andreeva and Marta Kostyuk live on Fubo. Other options: Tennis Channel.

At just 24 years old, Sinner surpassed the record set by Djokovic, who completed the set at age 25 when he reached the 2012 Shanghai final. For comparison, Rafael Nadal (Cincinnati 2013) and Roger Federer (Paris 2011) didn’t achieve this milestone until they were 27 and 30, respectively.

The World No. 1 will now face the winner of the Alexander Zverev vs Alexander Blockx semifinal on Sunday, May 3. Should Sinner lift the trophy, he will break another joint record held by Djokovic and Nadal, becoming the first player in the Open Era to win five consecutive Masters 1000 titles.

Sinner aiming for the Career Golden Masters

Sinner is now on the verge of completing the Career Golden Masters—winning all nine Masters 1000 tournaments at least once—an elite feat currently only achieved by Djokovic.

To check the first box of this ultimate goal, Sinner must win Sunday’s final in Madrid. He would then need to claim the title at the Italian Open in Rome, scheduled for May 7–17, to finalize the sweep.

Sinner extends historic winning streak

With his victory over Fils, Sinner extended his incredible Masters 1000 winning streak to 27 consecutive matches, the fourth-longest in the history of the tour. If he secures the Madrid title, he will reach 28 wins, moving just one victory shy of equaling Federer’s personal best.

Looking ahead to Rome, Sinner will have the opportunity to surpass Djokovic’s legendary marks of 30 and 31 consecutive wins, which would establish a new all-time ATP record.

After dominating the junior circuit and winning the boys’ singles title at the 2023 Australian Open, he has started to translate that promise onto the professional stage. His run at the Madrid Open introduced him to a much wider audience.

His combination of athleticism, composure and shot-making ability has already drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s rising stars, and many believe his breakthrough season may only be the beginning.

How old is Alexander Blockx?

Alexander Blockx is 21 years old. The Belgian tennis player was born on April 8, 2005, in Antwerp, Belgium, and has already established himself as one of the country’s brightest young prospects despite his age.

After building a strong reputation on the junior circuit, including winning the 2023 Australian Open boys’ singles title, he transitioned quickly into the professional ranks and began climbing the ATP standings at an impressive pace.

How tall is Alexander Blockx?

Alexander Blockx is 6-foot-4 (1.93 meters) tall. His height has become one of the biggest assets in his game, especially on serve, where he generates considerable power and angle.

Who is Alexander Blockx’s coach?

Alexander Blockx is coached by Philippe Cassiers. Cassiers has worked with Blockx since his early years in Belgium and played a major role in shaping his development from a junior standout into a rising ATP player.

The two have trained together for years at the Forest Hills tennis academy in Belgium. Cassiers was also by his side during his successful junior campaign at the Australian Open in 2023, where the Belgian captured the boys’ singles title.

What is Alexander Blockx’s current ranking?

Alexander Blockx is currently ranked World No. 69 in the ATP rankings. That mark represents the highest ranking of his professional career so far and reflects the breakthrough season he has enjoyed in 2026.

His climb accelerated dramatically during the clay-court season, particularly after his impressive performances at the Madrid Open. He defeated several established ATP players, including Casper Ruud and Felix Auger-Aliassime, to reach the semifinals of the tournament.

Before his rise on the ATP Tour, he had already been one of the best junior players in the world, even reaching No. 1 in the junior rankings. His transition to the professional circuit has been notably quick.

How much has Alexander Blockx earned in prize money?

Alexander Blockx has earned more than $1.2 million in career prize money. His career earnings recently surpassed the seven-figure mark thanks to strong results on both the Challenger Tour and ATP Tour.

A significant portion of those earnings came during the 2025 and 2026 seasons, when he began competing consistently in ATP-level events and making deeper tournament runs.

Alexander Blockx’s career highlights

• Won the 2023 Australian Open boys’ singles title: Blockx announced himself to the tennis world by capturing the junior Australian Open championship in 2023. The Belgian defeated Learner Tien in a dramatic three-set final and became the first Belgian boy to win a junior Grand Slam singles title since Kimmer Coppejans at Roland Garros in 2012.

• Reached No. 1 in the ITF junior rankings: Following his Australian Open triumph and several strong junior performances, Blockx climbed to World No. 1 in the ITF junior rankings in May 2023. That achievement cemented his reputation as one of the top prospects in international tennis.

• Won multiple ATP Challenger titles: As he transitioned into the professional circuit, Blockx collected several Challenger trophies that accelerated his rise in the ATP rankings. Among his most notable titles were victories in Kobe (2024), Oeiras (2025), Bratislava (2025), and Canberra (2026).

• Reached the final of the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals: One of the biggest milestones of his professional career came at the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals. Blockx advanced all the way to the championship match before falling to American star Learner Tien. The run placed him among the best young players on the ATP Tour.

• Made a breakthrough run at the 2026 Madrid Open: Blockx gained worldwide attention during the 2026 Madrid Open after producing the best ATP result of his career. Entering the tournament ranked No. 69 in the world, he defeated players such as Felix Auger-Aliassime, Francisco Cerundolo, and defending champion Casper Ruud on his way to the semifinals.

• Reached a career-high ATP ranking inside the Top 70: Thanks to his performances during the 2025 and 2026 seasons, Blockx climbed to a career-high ATP singles ranking of World No. 69. His rapid rise has made him one of Belgium’s most promising young players.