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3 reasons why Roger Federer’s 2006 season is ‘way better’ than Jannik Sinner’s 2024

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Gouri Das | Last updated Nov 28, 2024 10:58 AM ET

Jannik Sinner enjoyed a great season in 2024, winning eight titles, including two majors. Along with his achievements, he became the only second men’s player to accomplish a special milestone.

He joined Roger Federer to become only the second player in the Open Era to never lose in straight sets in a calendar year. Sinner for the first time also reached the top of the rankings and finished the year as No. 1.

Four of the six losses this season came to eventual champions with Carlos Alcaraz achieving a perfect 3-0 against him. Although Sinner enjoyed a sudden rise thanks to his consistency, he hasn’t yet achieved what Federer did multiple times.

Federer won his first major title at the 2003 Wimbledon and finished the season with seven titles out of the nine finals he played. The next season he added three more Majors to his cabinet and defended his ATP Finals crown, finishing the year with 11 titles. In 2005, the Swiss maestro once again lifted 11 titles, including two Majors.

2006 was Roger Federer’s career-best season

Roger Federer finished 2006 with a win-loss percentage of 94.84. While Jannik Sinner was 73-6 on the season, Federer was defeated just five times out of the 97 matches he played.

Only Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray were able to beat him. The King of Clay won all the matches on the red dirt against Federer at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Rome Masters, and French Open. Murray on the other hand, beat him at the Cincinnati Masters.

Roger Federer won three Grand Slam titles in 2006

Roger Federer for the second time lifted three majors. He reached all Grand Slam finals and his only defeat came from Rafael Nadal at the French Open. It was also the first time they met in a Major final.

Jannik Sinner however was slamless until the 2024 Australian Open where he defeated Daniil Medvedev in five sets. But Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev stopped him from making progress beyond the semifinal and quarterfinals of the French Open and Wimbledon respectively. Sinner then beat home favorite Taylor Fritz in the final of the US Open.

Roger Federer won 12 titles on the ATP Tour

Roger Federer finished 2006 with 12 tour-level titles to Jannik Sinner’s eight. Apart from the three Majors, Federer won four Masters 1000 titles, one ATP 500, and three ATP 250 titles. He wrapped up the incredible season by winning the ATP Finals.

Sinner along with the two Grand Slam trophies, won three Masters 1000 ones, and two ATP 500 titles. Just like Federer, Sinner also won the ATP Finals. Then he ended the season by winning the Davis Cup with Italy.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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