Jannik Sinner is undoubtedly one of the brightest rising stars in tennis today, but according to Roger Federer’s long-time agent, Tony Godsick, the Italian still has a way to go before he can claim the level of superstardom that Federer and Rafael Nadal achieved during their legendary careers.
Godsick, who serves as the president and CEO of the TEAM8 player agency, acknowledges Sinner’s remarkable rise in the tennis world. The 23-year-old has certainly made his mark, winning three Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open, US Open, and ATP Finals in 2024. His dominance has continued into 2025, with a successful title defense at the Australian Open, making him the first Italian to capture three Grand Slam titles.
Sinner’s ascent has led many to predict that he, alongside fellow young star Carlos Alcaraz, will form the next dominant duo in men’s tennis. While Alcaraz seems to have a larger fan base at the moment, Sinner is steadily gaining traction, both in terms of his on-court achievements and his growing popularity off it.
As his results continue to impress, Sinner’s marketability has skyrocketed, and there’s little doubt that his commercial appeal will only grow. However, the question remains: can he ever reach the iconic heights of Federer, Nadal, or even Novak Djokovic?
In a recent interview with La Stampa (via Ubitennis.com), Godsick shared his thoughts on Sinner’s future. He stated, “Right now, as a global star, he can’t replace Federer or Nadal. But he is loved by the fans, and he plays a style of tennis that I really enjoy. He knows how to perform when it counts the most.”
Godsick went on to express his admiration for Sinner, saying, “I don’t know if he’ll ever become a legend like Roger or Rafa, but he’s definitely on the right path. He’s serious, highly professional, and conducts himself well both on and off the court. In that way, he reminds me of Roger.”
While Sinner is making waves, Godsick believes there will soon be more competition for him and Alcaraz. He noted, “For now, they are the best, but soon there will be more contenders.” Players like Joao Fonseca, Alex Michelsen, Learner Tien, Jakub Mensik, and Tommy Paul are all strong up-and-comers who could provide formidable competition in the coming years. Godsick predicts a shift towards a more balanced competitive landscape, following two decades dominated by the “Big Three.”
“Tennis is in excellent shape right now, and the Italian scene, in particular, is thriving,” Godsick added, highlighting the continued health of the sport.
As for Sinner’s participation in the Laver Cup, a tournament co-founded by Godsick, Federer, and Brazilian businessman Jorge Paulo Lemann, it seems unlikely that the Italian will make his debut this year. “I don’t think so, not in San Francisco,” Godsick explained. “We’ve always invited him, but unfortunately, he doesn’t play in many special events. He’s very particular about his schedule, and that’s served him well in getting him to No. 1.”
In the world of tennis, where precision and timing are everything, Sinner’s careful management of his career might be just what it takes to keep his trajectory on an upward climb.