Sinner Shares Style Secret

By Richard Pagliaro | Friday, May 1, 2026
Photo credit: Mutua Madrid Open Facebook

Some champions play the ball, while others play the opponent.

Jannik Sinner says his style is predicated on a simple principle: The world No. 1 relies on pure instinct rather than applying analytical intellect on pivotal points.

“I like to play with the gut feeling,” Sinner said after sweeping Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-4 to score his 22nd straight win and reach his fifth consecutive ATP Masters 1000 final in Madrid today. “And that’s what I feel in that moment, and I just try to go for it, honestly. There is no real key.”

The Wimbledon winner’s topspin strokes empower him to combined power and precision. Sinner won a key 24-shot rally today and said afterward, he prefers to pull the trigger than try to absorb shots at crunch time.

“I think I would rather go for it and miss a ball than waiting for the opponent to miss,” Sinner said. “I’ve always been like this. Obviously not every time you can play like this, it’s also depending how you feel. Yeah, this is just how I see it.”