Andre Agassi and Roger Federer, among the former No. 1s who congratulate Jannik Sinner | ATP Tour

PIF ATP Rankings Update

Legends congratulate Sinner on world No. 1

Roddick, Kafelnikov, Borg and Murray share praise

June 11, 2024

Jannik Sinner joined one of the most prestigious groups in tennis on Monday by becoming the 29th player capable of rising to No. 1 in the history of the PIF ATP Rankings.

At 22 years old, he is the first Italian to reach first position. A host of former No.1s, including Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Andy Roddick, shared praise to celebrate the Italian’s achievement.

“Hello Jannik, I’m Andre. Let me be one of the many people congratulating you on being world No. 1. It’s an extraordinary achievement, I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than you,” Agassi said. “It’s nice the way you deal with it. If the universe had a tennis tournament, the Earth would choose you. Isn’t it wonderful? Enjoy.”

Federer set a record of 237 consecutive weeks at No. 1 between 2004 and 2008.

“Hey, Jannik. Big congratulations from me on becoming world No. 1,” Federer said. “I think it’s the ultimate achievement and I’m sure you’ll be incredibly happy. You must be very proud. I’m sure Italy adores you right now, you’re the first Italian to have managed to rise to world No. 1. It’s something incredible. I can’t feel happier for you. You are a great person, a fantastic player. I wish you the best for the future, Take care, see you soon.

The No.1 club called, and the former No.1’s are so glad you answered, Jannik ❤️

Hard work and perseverance got him here, and now the legends of the game unite to welcome their newest member🥇#S1NNER | #PIF | #ATPRankings | #partner pic.twitter.com/Ko1nd6Ij8t

— ATP Tour (@atptour) June 10, 2024

Roddick was the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF in 2023 after winning his only Grand Slam that season at the US Open. The American shared words of encouragement for Sinner.

“Congratulations, Jannik Sinner,” Roddick said. “I wanted to send you a message of admiration for this great achievement. I know that it takes a lifetime of work and that the circuit never stops. I hope you find some time to rest and appreciate what you have achieved, reaching world No. 1. I promise you that no one will be able to take it away from you.”

“It has been a real pleasure to see the way you behave, the way you have improved, how you seek glory from such a young age. I hope to see you for many years and pass on the best to your team, we know that no one can achieve it alone “Congratulations, take your time and absorb it.”

Bjorn Borg was the fourth man to climb to No. 1 when he reached the top of the sport in 1977. The Swedish legend won 11 Grand Slam titles and held a spot in the year-end Top 10 for eight consecutive seasons between 1973 and 1981. .

“In 1973, when the ATP Rankings were born, the biggest goal was to be No. 1 in the world,” Borg said. “It’s one of the most important things. Jannik, you are the No. 1 in the world and I congratulate you. I know how complicated it is to become the best tennis player in the world. I hope you will be that way for a long time. You are going to have a new generation behind you, you have left your mark and I hope you remain there for many weeks to come.

Yevgeny Kafelnikov surpassed Pete Sampras to become No. 1 in May 1999. He remained at the top for six weeks.

“I would like to congratulate you on one of the greatest achievements in men’s tennis, reaching World No. 1,” Kafelnikov said. “It is a peak that most players can only dream of. I know all the work you have done to achieve it. Personally, I hope that you continue to give a spectacle to the Italian fans and around the world with your game. Enjoy this day. Well done and welcome to the club.”

Andy Murray spent 41 weeks as world No. 1, first taking the throne in November 2016. The Scot lost to Sinner in their most recent Lexus ATP Head2Head matchup at Dubai 2022.

“Hello Jannik. I wanted to send a message to congratulate you on reaching world No. 1 for the first time,” Murray said. “Very well deserved. You’ve had an incredible year. I know how difficult it is to get there, but you deserve it. Well done and I wish you the best.”

Icons such as Guga Kuerten, John McEnroe, Daniil Medvedev, Lleyton Hewitt, Patrick Rafter, Jim Courier, Mats Wilander, Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg also sent congratulatory messages to the Italian.