Jannik Sinner, the world No. 1 at just 23, has already claimed three Grand Slam titles. He kicked off his 2025 season with a bang, overcoming illness and fatigue to secure his second consecutive Australian Open title. Last year, he won eight titles, including both the Australian Open and the US Open, propelling him to the top of the rankings, where he has now reigned for 34 weeks. Is there something that Sinner wouldn’t excel at? Wheelchair tennis might just be the answer to that!
Last year, ahead of the Miami Open, he tried wheelchair tennis with Alfie Hewett, who has won a total of 32 Grand Slam titles: 10 in singles and 22 in doubles. Initially struggling due to his wider hips, Sinner eventually got into the groove during a practice session with Hewett. He was all smiles despite the challenges. “It’s just amazing to see how these guys play this sport,” he remarked. “It’s completely different; you are sitting in a chair and the movement is so important. We saw it now and I was struggling so much, but it’s just amazing.”
The Miami Open shared this memorable moment on their X profile after Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev to win his third Grand Slam and Hewett defeated Tokito Oda to win his 10th major title. They wrote, “From sharing the court together last year to raising the 2025 @AustralianOpen trophies 🏆” It is quite refreshing seeing the two players who got on so well during a practice session a year ago to now winning the same title together.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
However, while some fans admired his willingness to try new things and raise awareness for wheelchair tennis, not everyone viewed it positively. Even taking a dig at Sinner for supposedly copying the Serbian GOAT Novak Djokovic, who has previously done the same thing.
Fans compare Janik Sinner’s actions to that of Djokovic
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
After Jannik Sinner’s impressive win at the Australian Open, comparisons to Novak Djokovic are everywhere. One fan humorously remarked, “Copying everything Novak did, had, or said before. Bad copy indeed 🤡” This comment refers to Sinner’s recent participation in wheelchair tennis with Alfie Hewett, echoing Djokovic’s own involvement in the sport during charity events in 2017 with Dylan Alcott and again in 2024 during the charity event ‘A Night With Novak’ along with Heath Davidson. Another fan echoed these sentiments asking, “Does he really have to copy Novak in everything?”
While some see Sinner as a copycat, it’s worth noting that these events are organized by the ATP Tour and not solely driven by the players. However, both athletes do share similar playing styles. Alexander Zverev noted after facing Sinner that he reminds him of Djokovic in his prime, saying they “barely miss” and are incredibly tough to beat from the baseline. Sinner himself admitted, “Game style-wise I looked up to him,” acknowledging Djokovic’s influence on his playing style. However he does add, “I still believe we are different as players because everyone is different.”
Yet, the comparisons can feel excessive at times. One fan pointed out, “Is there *anything* he won’t copy from Novak? It’s almost parodic.😂 At least the people who criticised Novak for playing wheelchair tennis will keep silent. 😂 The biggest compliments, one after another, from Jannik to Novak. If only he could imitate Novak’s integrity. 😛” Djokovic is known for his colorful character—resilient, determined, and friendly—combining fierce competitiveness with a commitment to social causes like advocating for underpaid players through the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA). On the other hand, Sinner mostly keeps to himself, often emphasizing that he prefers to keep his personal life private.
ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad
In a lighter vein, another fan joked, “Thanks for not jumping out of the wheelchair and hitting the ball,” reminding fans of Novak’s own infamous moment. While wheelchair tennis is challenging, Sinner’s performance showed his caliber. Alfie Hewett praised him as a “real role model” for younger players, noting how remarkable it is to see a champion like Sinner struggle in a new context.
As the 2025 season kicks off with plenty of drama already unfolding, it will be interesting to see what more lies ahead for these talented players. Share your thoughts in the comments below!