Andre Agassi Picks the One Player Who Could Beat Jannik Sinner-It’s Not Federer or Nadal
**Andre Agassi shocked fans by naming Marat Safin-not Roger Federer or Rafael Nadal-as the only player from his era who could beat Jannik Sinner** during live BBC commentary on July 11, 2026. The Italian is on the verge of his fifth Grand Slam title after defeating Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semis, and Agassi singled out Safin’s 6’5” frame, explosive serve, and tactical IQ as the key to outdueling Sinner’s dominance.
Agassi’s choice was blunt. *“There’s one guy and one guy only,”* he said, bypassing Federer and Nadal. Safin, a two-time Grand Slam winner (US Open 2000, Australian Open 2005), was Agassi’s lone exception. *“This dude could serve from the trees,”* Agassi added, highlighting Safin’s 130+ mph serve and ability to dictate rallies. *“He knew what he was doing. 6’5, moved really well. You need all those skills to compete at this level.”*
Sinner’s 2026 campaign has been historic: a Wimbledon semifinal, eight finals in his last 10 tournaments, and five Grand Slam titles at age 24. Agassi acknowledged the Italian’s dominance but argued Safin’s physical tools-height, mobility, and a weaponized serve-could neutralize Sinner’s precision baseline game. *“It’s thin margins up there,”* Agassi noted, referencing the razor-thin differences in modern tennis.
The two met six times on the ATP Tour, with Agassi winning their first three encounters before Safin turned the tide. *“He perfected his craft,”* Agassi said, crediting Safin’s late-career refinement. Their rivalry peaked in 2004, when Safin reached the US Open final-just months after Agassi’s retirement. *“He had that profile,”* Agassi emphasized, meaning Safin’s mix of power and intelligence mirrored what Sinner now wields.
By elevating Safin over Federer or Nadal, Agassi subtly framed his own era’s depth. *“My generation doesn’t count,”* he said, downplaying peers like Sampras or himself. Yet his pick underscored how Safin’s underrated peak-world No. 1 in 2000, 2009, and 2009-could’ve challenged even Sinner. The comparison also hints at Agassi’s enduring fascination with serve-and-volley players, a style Sinner rarely faces.