Greg Rusedski explains what amazed him about Jannik Sinner’s game after watching him at the Six Kings Slam.
The last time the Italian was seen in action was at the Saudi Arabia exhibition event. This is because Sinner withdrew from the ongoing Paris Masters.
The 23-year-old won that event, by defeating Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in successive matches to claim the title and record-breaking £6 million prize money.
During that tournament, Rusedski was impressed by what the World number one was able to produce and he was particularly interested in the improved elements of his game.
What did Greg Rusedski find ‘frightening’ about Jannik Sinner’s game at the Six Kings Slam?
At the Six Kings Slam, Jannik Sinner continued where he left off at the Shanghai Masters. He defeated Djokovic for the second time in a week, before claiming his first victory over Alcaraz in 2024.
Jannik Sinner’s Rising Game at the Six Kings Slam: A Turning Point for the Young Italian
Jannik Sinner, the 23-year-old Italian tennis prodigy, is making waves on the ATP Tour, achieving feats that have both the tennis community and fans in awe. Most recently, his performance at the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, showcased his remarkable growth as a player and sent a clear message to the tennis world: Sinner is here not only to compete but to dominate. His victories over two of the game’s top players, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, have not only bolstered his confidence but also earned him an eye-popping £6 million in prize money.
Sinner’s Breakthrough at the Six Kings Slam
Sinner’s journey to winning the Six Kings Slam was as much about resilience and composure as it was about raw talent. This exhibition event might not have the weight of an official ATP tournament, but its competitive nature and star-studded lineup made it a high-stakes arena. Sinner’s determination to defeat Djokovic and Alcaraz on back-to-back occasions is particularly noteworthy; Djokovic, with his wealth of experience, and Alcaraz, one of the fastest-rising stars himself, were formidable opponents. Yet, Sinner managed to outperform both, capturing not only the title but also the admiration of fans and experts alike.
Greg Rusedski’s Perspective: A Frightening Evolution in Sinner’s Game
Greg Rusedski, a former world number four and an insightful analyst, had a front-row seat to Sinner’s development over recent years. What he observed in Sinner’s performance at the Six Kings Slam was nothing short of a revelation. In Rusedski’s view, the “frightening” aspect of Sinner’s game lies in his adaptability, maturity, and strategic acumen—qualities that players often develop much later in their careers. Rusedski emphasized that Sinner’s ability to control the baseline, coupled with his improved net play and serve, has added layers to his game that make him a significant threat on the court.
Rusedski went on to detail what sets Sinner apart from other young players on the tour. First and foremost is his mental fortitude. Sinner has displayed an unusual calmness and focus, particularly in high-stakes matches, something that Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have mastered over their careers. This poise has allowed Sinner to stay grounded, even when facing legends of the game. His win over Djokovic marked a second consecutive victory against the Serbian—a feat that is rare among the younger generation, given Djokovic’s mastery of mental and tactical warfare on the court.
Sinner’s Tactical Depth: New Skills in Play
One area that has seen a remarkable improvement is Sinner’s tactical awareness. Rusedski pointed out that Sinner’s ability to read his opponent’s game and make real-time adjustments is a skill that many top players struggle with. Against Djokovic, for example, Sinner demonstrated an ability to neutralize the Serbian’s defensive skills by forcing him out of his comfort zone, controlling rallies, and varying his shot selection. This level of strategic play is not something Sinner would have displayed in his earlier years but is now becoming a central part of his game.
In addition to his tactical growth, Sinner’s court positioning and footwork have improved considerably. Previously, he was known to stay deep behind the baseline, allowing his opponents room to dictate points. However, Rusedski noted that Sinner is now more comfortable stepping into the court, taking time away from his rivals and pushing them onto the defensive. This adjustment has allowed him to end points more quickly, conserving energy and reducing unforced errors—two key elements in defeating top-tier players like Djokovic and Alcaraz.
The Serve: A Game-Changing Weapon
Another critical improvement that impressed Rusedski is Sinner’s serve. While Sinner has always had a powerful serve, his ability to mix up speeds and placements has transformed it into a more versatile weapon. Rusedski commented that Sinner’s serve is now one of the best among the younger players, capable of setting up easy points or forcing weak returns that he can capitalize on. This newfound variety keeps opponents guessing, as they can no longer anticipate a single type of serve, and instead have to be prepared for a mix of flat, sliced, and kick serves.
Moreover, Sinner’s second serve has become notably more reliable, reducing the number of double faults and preventing opponents from attacking his second delivery. This improvement was crucial in his matches against both Djokovic and Alcaraz, as it allowed him to maintain control of service games without yielding easy points. Rusedski noted that this area of Sinner’s game could well become one of his strongest assets, especially as he continues to compete against seasoned players who know how to exploit weaknesses in their opponents’ serve.
Net Play and Finishing Skills
Rusedski also highlighted Sinner’s enhanced proficiency at the net. Traditionally, Sinner has been a baseline player, preferring to rely on his groundstrokes to dictate points. However, recent matches have shown a different side of his game, with Sinner now more willing to approach the net and end points with finesse. This new dimension adds variety to his play and prevents opponents from getting comfortable. Rusedski mentioned that Sinner’s net play is still developing, but the early signs are promising, as he demonstrated deft volleys and solid court coverage during the Six Kings Slam.
Physical Conditioning and Longevity
For any player to sustain success on the ATP Tour, physical conditioning is paramount. Sinner’s grueling 2023 season, which included numerous deep runs in tournaments, took a toll on his body, forcing him to withdraw from the Paris Masters after his Six Kings Slam victory. However, Rusedski noted that Sinner has made visible strides in his conditioning, which has helped him stay competitive in long matches. His enhanced stamina was evident in his ability to outlast Djokovic in their encounter, as he managed to keep up with the pace and intensity, despite the Serbian’s well-known endurance.
Rusedski argued that with a few more seasons of conditioning and strategic rest, Sinner could develop the physical resilience needed to compete at the highest levels for extended periods, much like Djokovic and Nadal have done in their careers. His current approach to physical fitness, combined with his strategic adjustments, shows that Sinner is not only focused on immediate success but is also building a foundation for long-term success on the tour.
What Lies Ahead for Sinner
After his impressive victory in Saudi Arabia, Jannik Sinner’s future looks brighter than ever. His Six Kings Slam performance will undoubtedly boost his confidence as he prepares for upcoming events and Grand Slams in 2024. With improved consistency, powerful serves, enhanced net play, and an ever-sharpening tactical mindset, Sinner has positioned himself as a player who could potentially disrupt the dominance of established stars like Djokovic and Alcaraz in the coming years.
For fans and analysts like Rusedski, it’s thrilling to witness the emergence of a young player who combines power with precision, strategy with execution. The “frightening” aspects of Sinner’s game that Rusedski highlighted may soon become Sinner’s hallmark, making him not just a challenger but a favorite in tournaments to come. If Sinner continues to refine his skills and stay physically and mentally resilient, the tennis world could be looking at one of its next great champions.