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

Alongside Jannik Sinner’s ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF ceremony Monday evening at the Nitto ATP Finals, former World No. 1 Boris Becker and ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi unveiled the pioneering ‘ATP No. 1 Club’, which was created to celebrate ATP players past and present who have reached the pinnacle of the sport.

“It was a childhood dream of mine to become the very best,” Becker said. “You don’t really believe it. It took me a couple of years. I was a longtime No. 2 before I became No. 1. But to be amongst the good and the great of tennis is very special.”

According to Becker, he never would have imagined as a kid that climbing to the very top was possible.

“I would have said, ‘You’re crazy. It’s not possible’,” Becker said. “But here we are and I’m very happy for Andrea to have this No. 1 Club because it’s a history for the young players as well — who was here before, who paved the way a little bit to have tournaments like the [Nitto] ATP Finals in Torino.”

Gaudenzi discussed the newly launched Club and why it is so important to pay tribute to World No. 1s.

“Reaching World No.1 is the ultimate achievement in our sport,” Gaudenzi said. “It takes excellence and consistency over 52 weeks to scale the top of the highest mountain. Only 29 players have done it, from Ilie Nastase in 1973, up to our newest No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

“Our sport has an incredible heritage and we’re proud to launch this No. 1 Club to celebrate and honour our biggest champions for years to come.”

Becker and Gaudenzi then welcomed Sinner to court under the watchful eyes of the Italian's adoring fans. Becker, who has remained close to the sport as a coach and commentator, was highly complimentary of the Italian and his ascent.

“Honestly, not really surprised. I know him now for many years and he was always talented, but what stood out was his determination,” Becker said. “He always put everything on the line for tennis. He was living and breathing tennis, left his home at 13 to become the best tennis player he can be.”

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

“The consistency he has [at] only 23 years of age is remarkable,” Becker said. “He always has a level, he never goes under that level and again, I’m not surprised. I think he’s going to be around the No. 1 for a long time. Yes, we have Alcaraz and we have many others. But I think he’s the man to beat for a long time.”

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