Roger Federer’s former coach insists Carlos Alcaraz is not Jannik Sinner’s biggest threat at the ATP Finals

By | November 2, 2024

Jannik Sinner is enjoying his best season to date, capturing an impressive seven titles, six of which have come on the hard-courts.

Since the Cincinnati Open in August, he has lost only once, with defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in Beijing the only blip in an otherwise supreme run.

Jannik Sinner has been in phenomenal form this season, truly making a statement on the ATP Tour. The 22-year-old Italian has enjoyed a career-best year, capturing an impressive seven titles, six of which have come on hard courts—a surface that has clearly become his stronghold. With these victories, Sinner has firmly established himself as one of the premier players in the world and an ever-growing threat to the traditional powers at the top of the game.

While some players excel on specific surfaces, Sinner’s success on hard courts this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Hard courts tend to favor players who are quick, agile, and capable of adapting to fast-paced rallies. Sinner’s playing style—marked by a powerful, consistent baseline game and superb movement—has allowed him to thrive. His six hard-court titles this season underscore his mastery over this surface. His dedication to fine-tuning his game for hard courts has clearly paid off, and he’s using it to his advantage against top-tier opponents.

This consistency has given Sinner a psychological edge, especially over players who find it challenging to keep up with his rhythm and precision on hard courts. He’s not just scraping through matches; he’s often dominating them, making his opponents fight hard to win points. This ability to stay calm and assertive on hard surfaces has become a hallmark of his play style and a significant part of why he’s been so successful this season.

Since the Cincinnati Open in August, Sinner has been on a near-unbreakable run, with his only loss coming at the hands of Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz in Beijing. This loss, however, has done little to tarnish an otherwise supreme streak that has seen Sinner go from strength to strength. Every tournament he’s entered since then has been another chance to demonstrate his relentless work ethic, adaptability, and sheer talent.

Even in the match he lost to Alcaraz, Sinner showed flashes of brilliance and held his own against one of the game’s most dynamic players. Alcaraz is known for his aggressive style and ability to mix up shots with spins and angles, making him a challenging opponent for anyone. Despite the loss, Sinner came away with valuable experience and insights on how to tackle such high-level competitors. This resilience and ability to bounce back are what set champions apart, and Sinner has consistently proven that he can adapt and learn from his experiences.

Sinner’s rise has not been a simple matter of racking up wins. He’s been relentless in his pursuit of improvement, continuously refining his skills, and it’s clear that his mental game has become one of his biggest assets. Unlike many young players, Sinner seems to thrive under pressure. His calm, composed demeanor on court helps him stay focused and methodical, even in tense situations. This mental toughness has allowed him to face down some of the best players in the world and come out on top.

Moreover, Sinner has shown a rare ability to adapt his game depending on his opponent. Against big servers, he adjusts his return game, making sure he gives himself a chance to stay in points and eventually break his opponent’s rhythm. When he’s up against players who like to stay at the baseline, Sinner is not afraid to move forward and take control of the net. This strategic versatility is a crucial reason he has been able to win so consistently across different types of opponents.

Some of the standout moments from Sinner’s season include his victories at ATP events where he overcame seasoned players. Each title win was a testament to his skill, tenacity, and growth as a player. For example, his performance in the Vienna Open showcased his incredible resilience and ability to stay focused under pressure, as he faced and defeated top-level opponents in consecutive matches.

In another memorable run, Sinner claimed victory at the Toronto Masters, defeating some of the world’s best players en route to his first Masters 1000 title. This triumph was particularly special as it not only marked a milestone in his career but also helped him secure a higher seed in subsequent tournaments, making his path to the later rounds a bit smoother. Winning a Masters 1000 is no small feat, and doing so on a hard court only reinforces the idea that Sinner’s game is becoming increasingly dangerous on this surface.

One of the most exciting aspects of Sinner’s recent season has been his emerging rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz. Both young, immensely talented, and ambitious, Sinner and Alcaraz have already delivered some memorable matches, each one showcasing their potential to be future tennis legends. Their matches have been intense, full of athleticism, and a treat for fans of the sport.

In their latest encounter in Beijing, Alcaraz managed to edge out Sinner, showing just how closely matched they are. Both players bring out the best in each other, pushing one another to reach new heights. This rivalry is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in tennis, reminiscent of classic matchups like Federer vs. Nadal or Djokovic vs. Murray. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how their careers will unfold, as both players are sure to be at the forefront of the sport for years to come.

With such a successful season, Sinner’s ambitions are undoubtedly set on higher goals—namely, Grand Slam titles. He has already proven that he can win titles consistently, but winning a Slam is a different challenge. Grand Slam tournaments require players to win seven best-of-five-set matches, often facing a variety of playing styles and conditions. It’s a true test of endurance, skill, and mental strength.

Sinner has already reached the quarterfinals of Grand Slams multiple times, but now the question is whether he can make the leap to the semifinals or even the finals. Many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before he claims a Slam title. His current form, especially on hard courts, suggests that he could be a major contender at the Australian Open or the US Open. If he can carry his momentum into these tournaments, there’s every chance he could walk away with a major title.

Sinner’s success is also part of a broader renaissance in Italian tennis. Alongside players like Matteo Berrettini and Lorenzo Musetti, Sinner is helping to put Italy on the map in the tennis world. This resurgence has brought a new level of excitement to Italian tennis fans and has inspired a younger generation of players. Italy now has several players ranked within the ATP top 50, and the country’s infrastructure for developing talent is improving as well.

Italian tennis fans are hopeful that Sinner will be the first of many Italian Grand Slam champions in the modern era. His success could pave the way for more young Italians to pursue professional careers, potentially turning Italy into a powerhouse in the tennis world.

Jannik Sinner’s 2023 season has been nothing short of spectacular. His seven titles, dominance on hard courts, and ability to hold his own against the best players in the world have marked him as a future star of tennis. With his resilience, skill, and mental fortitude, Sinner has all the ingredients necessary to reach the top of the game and claim Grand Slam titles.

As the season draws to a close, all eyes will be on Sinner to see if he can carry this momentum into 2024. His fans and tennis enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his next steps, wondering if he will continue his upward trajectory and make a breakthrough at the Grand Slam level. One thing is certain: Jannik Sinner is a player to watch, and his journey is only just beginning.

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