Ruud: Sinner’s Best Is Unmatched Level

By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, May 17, 2026
Photo credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia Facebook

Don’t let Jannik Sinner’s standard stoic game face fool you.

When it comes to scariest opponent, world No. 1 Sinner is second to none, says former No. 2 Casper Ruud.

Home hero Sinner swept Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-4 to capture his maiden Rome championship, record sixth straight Masters 1000 crown and send Foro Italico fans into a sing-song tribute chant of “Ole! Ole! Ole! Ole! Sinner! Sinner!”

The 24-year-old Italian scored his record-extending 34th consecutive Masters match to become the first man to claim six straight ATP Masters 1000 championships.

Afterward, Ruud said at his best, Sinner’s level of play is virtually unmatched among champions he’s faced.

“The fact is he’s an incredible player,” said Ruud, winless in 10 career sets vs. Sinner. “Me having played all of the top players in the world in my career, when he plays his best, there’s not many that can reach this level, if anyone at all in the world.”

Sinner joins Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic as just the second man in Open Era history to complete the Golden Masters—winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 championships—and he’s the only man to sweep six in a row at the 1000 level.

The 2025 Mutua Madrid Open champion Ruud said only Carlos Alcaraz, reigning Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open champion, can play at Sinner’s top level.

Ruud said Sinner’s dominance is more impressive than the Big 3 when he faced them in the latter stages of their careers. Ruud envisions Sinner’s lofty level of play only growing even higher as he sharpens his skills.

“I think definitely those two [Sinner and Alcaraz]. I never played the big three in their prime,” Ruud said. “I played them in their career, but towards the end of their career.

“They felt more playable at that time. But I’m sure Roger, Novak, Rafa, 25, 26 years old was also the same feeling for the other players.

“I don’t see [Sinner] getting any worse, unfortunately (smiling). You just have to think that you have to be better and better because he’s also going to get better and better.”