'He doesn’t let you breathe' - Casper Ruud reflects on Sinner’s pace and Djokovic’s legacy ahead of ATP Finals

The tennis world is abuzz with excitement as the ATP Finals reach their electrifying conclusion. While Jannik Sinner prepares to face Taylor Fritz in the championship match, Casper Ruud’s insights on the contrasting styles of Sinner and Novak Djokovic have added a compelling narrative to the tournament.

Ruud, who suffered a 6-1, 6-2 defeat to Sinner in the semifinals, offered a unique perspective on the Italian’s game. The Norwegian highlighted the distinct difference between Sinner’s blistering pace and Djokovic’s controlled precision. “No, I don’t think so, in my opinion, because they play different tennis,” Ruud remarked when asked about the similarities between the two.

While many draw parallels between Sinner and Djokovic due to their dominance from the baseline, Ruud believes the experience of facing them is worlds apart. "Jannik hits a faster ball than Novak. He doesn’t let you breathe," Ruud elaborated, emphasizing the relentless aggression of the 22-year-old Italian.

‘He’s the best in history’, Ruud praises Djokovic!

Ruud further explained that Novak Djokovic, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, allows for longer rallies, making it possible to anticipate his rhythm. “With Novak, you can play rallies,” Ruud noted. “Not going to say it’s easier to play Novak because he’s the best in history. At least with Novak, you can play more rallies and not be terrified of Novak ripping, like, a bomb down the line or cross-court or these things.”

Jannik Sinner’s performance in Turin has been nothing short of extraordinary. Backed by a passionate home crowd, he has displayed a powerful baseline game and unrelenting intensity, qualities that have earned him a spot in the final. Reflecting on his progress, Sinner said, “I feel like I have more experience. I’ve grown as a player, and hopefully, tomorrow is going to be a good day.”

While Ruud grapples with Sinner’s speed, tennis legends and contemporaries remain cautious about writing off Djokovic. Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star in his own right, expressed confidence in Djokovic’s return to form in 2025, highlighting his ability to dominate even after extended breaks.