Felix Auger-Aliassime praised Jannik Sinner’s serve and return game as the most effective combination he’s ever faced, following their recent encounters at the Paris Masters and ATP Finals. Sinner’s ability to apply immediate pressure with both his first serve and return has become a defining feature of his rise to the top of men’s tennis.
Sinner’s dominance begins with the first shot
Jannik Sinner’s recent performances have highlighted a strategic edge that begins with the very first shot of each point. Whether serving or returning, Sinner sets the tone early, forcing opponents into defensive positions. His first-serve percentage regularly hovers around 80%, and his second-serve return consistency is among the highest on tour.
“He served pretty much four first serves on the lines, almost 80% in the first set,” said Felix Auger-Aliassime after their ATP Finals match. “Also returning, doesn’t really miss second-serve returns. He missed actually a few, which is rare. But yeah, probably the best combination.”
The Paris Masters encounter and tactical pressure
Their duel at the Paris Masters was another example of Sinner’s aggressive start to points. He defeated Auger-Aliassime 6–4, 7–6(4), using early pressure to dictate rallies. Sinner’s return game neutralized Auger-Aliassime’s serve, while his own service games were nearly impenetrable.
When asked whether Sinner might have the best serve-return combination seen in recent years, Auger-Aliassime responded candidly: “That I’ve played, yeah. I’ve never played maybe like Roger in his prime. But yeah, I think for now… probably the best combination.”
Why the combination matters
In modern tennis, the serve and return are critical battlegrounds. Players who excel in both can control tempo, shorten points, and limit their opponent’s options. Sinner’s ability to do this consistently has elevated him to World No. 1 and earned him five titles in 2025, including his maiden Paris Masters crown.
His composure and precision under pressure, especially indoors, make him a formidable opponent. The combination of high first-serve accuracy and aggressive second-serve returns allows him to dominate from the outset.
Looking ahead
As the ATP Finals continue, Sinner’s serve-return dynamic will be a key factor in his campaign. With players like Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in the mix, maintaining this edge will be crucial. But for now, the praise from Auger-Aliassime underscores what many in the tennis world are beginning to recognize: Sinner’s first-shot mastery is reshaping the game.
Jannik Sinner in 2025
Now ranked no.2, Sinner played his last match on the 10th of November when he overcame world no.8 Felix Auger-Aliassime 7-5 6-1 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
This year the Italian has managed to achieve a composed 54-6 win-loss record. Sinner has won 5 titles in 2025 at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Beijing, Vienna and Paris. The Italian got to the final in Rome, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open.
Felix Auger-Aliassime in 2025
At the moment ranked no.8, the Canadian played his last match on the 10th of November when he lost to world no.2 Jannik Sinner 7-5 6-1 in the round robin in the Nitto ATP Finals (draw).
Currently, during this season the Canadian has an overall 48-24 match record. Felix clinched 3 titles in 2025 in Adelaide, Montpellier and Brussels. Felix was the runner-up in Dubai and Paris.
Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off 6 times. Their actual record is 4-2 for Sinner.