Jannik Sinner has explained the impact of the Big-3 of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on his game.

The aforementioned trio, with 20, 22, 24 singles titles, respectively, are the most successful male tennis players in history. They have arguably transceded the sport with their on-court achievements and rivalries with each other.

While Federer retired two years ago, Nadal is out injured and likely playing the last season of his illustrious career, while Djokovic is still going strong. The Serb, though, recently lost to Sinner at the Australian Open, his first loss at the event in 34 matches spanning six years.

The Italian – who went on to win his first Major title by beating Daniil Medvedev from two sets down – explained to MARCA why his game is more similar to Djokovic:
“I think my tennis is similar to Djokovic’s. We both played well from the back of the court, but we tried to go to the net. The way we slide on the track is also similar. I feel lucky to have met them.”

Sinner added that he tried to learn as much as possible from the other two Big-3 members too, considering their dominance on the Grand Slam scene:
“Roger is no longer here, but when the three of them were there, I tried to watch what they did in the gym, outside of it. … Learn as much as possible from them. I feel lucky that they are on the tour because they have won more ‘Grand Slam’ titles than anyone else.”

Sinner is 3-7 overall against the Big 3, which includes 3-4 against Djokovic and 0-3 against Nadal. The Italian never met Federer on tour, while all three of his losses to Nadal came on clay, including two at Roland Garros, where the Spaniard is a 14-time champion.