Italian superstar Jannik Sinner reflects on the burden of being World No. 1

At just 23 years old, Jannik Sinner has held the No. 1 spot in the ATP Rankings for an extended stretch, thanks to remarkable performances throughout 2024 and 2025. His consistency has been so strong that he maintained the top position despite serving a three-month suspension for doping.

“I don’t look at the rankings so much myself, because I feel like World No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3 is the result of what you work on, on a yearly basis,” Sinner said in a recent interview with the official ATP Tour website. “The most important thing for me is to improve as a player.”

Jannik became the first Italian player ever to reach World No. 1 in mid-2024. He’s held onto that ranking ever since, but that’s not his only focus. “I think I made some good progress since last year. I feel like I’m a better player, which for me is the most important. Of course, the result matters, but it’s quite relevant for me. I do enjoy being in this position.”

When asked what it takes to stay at the top, Sinner was candid. “You have to be very consistent, and my results have been amazing since last year until now,” he said. “I think the position in the rankings is something someone works a lot to be in, and I’ve always tried to be the best I could.”

Jannik Sinner has been World No. 1 for over a year

He also acknowledged that success comes with new pressures. “Obviously things have changed since last year a little bit. The feeling is definitely different, being No. 1, because everyone wants to beat you and there are still a lot of players who still have that feeling,” he admitted.

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Sinner’s impressive streak as World No. 1

Since reaching the top of the ATP Rankings on June 10, 2024—after advancing to the semifinals at Roland Garros—Sinner has not relinquished the No. 1 spot. His run speaks to his talent, mental toughness, and work ethic, placing him among tennis legends with an elite milestone.

With 54 consecutive weeks at No. 1 in his first stint, Sinner joins a short list of players who have maintained the top ranking the longest in their debut run: Jimmy Connors, Lleyton Hewitt, and Roger Federer. He’s also surpassed Novak Djokovic, who held the position for 52 weeks in his first stretch.

Sinner reflects on that achievement

Asked about this historic record, Sinner was humble. “It’s a huge honour for me, to be part of these names,” he said. “It’s amazing now that I am there, and I know my potential and know that I can do it if I’m playing very well. Things have changed, that’s for sure, but it’s amazing to be part of these names.”

Still, he made it clear that his focus is more on growth than records. “On the other hand, I’m myself. I make my history for myself. Of course, it’s amazing company I am part of and as I always said, I would never have thought I would be in this position once in my life.”