Jannik Sinner has emerged as one of the most improved young players on the ATP tour, with Eurosport expert Mats Wilander likening his progress to that of Novak Djokovic. Sinner, who won his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, has continued his success with victories in Rotterdam and Miami. Wilander notes that the 22-year-old has shown rapid development in his game, particularly in his tactical approach. Sinner’s willingness to take risks has decreased, leading to more calculated and impressive play on any surface. Wilander believes that Sinner’s game is versatile and can match up against any player, regardless of the playing surface.
As the clay court season approaches, Sinner will aim to build on his success and make a strong showing at the French Open. Despite reaching the quarter-finals in his debut appearance in 2020, Sinner has struggled in subsequent years at Roland Garros. Wilander views Carlos Alcaraz, a two-time major winner, as a stronger contender at the French Open due to his aggressive playing style. He notes that Sinner’s defensive game may not always work on clay courts, where a more offensive approach is often necessary. While Sinner is comfortable on clay, Wilander believes that he will need to maintain a more aggressive stance to compete against top players like Alcaraz.
Sinner’s victory at the Australian Open was a turning point in his career, elevating him to the elite ranks of tennis players. The Italian showcased his skill by defeating top-five players Rublev, Djokovic, and Medvedev, coming from two sets down in the final to clinch his first Grand Slam title. Wilander emphasizes the importance of confidence in a player’s performance, noting that Sinner’s triumph has boosted his belief in his abilities. Confidence, for elite players, means playing at a consistent and high level without panicking regardless of the score. Sinner’s confidence grew during the Australian Open final, where he realized he had the ability to control rallies and dictate play against tough opponents.
Wilander points out that Sinner’s improvement since the Australian Open victory has been significant, with his tactical understanding and execution reaching new heights. Sinner’s game has evolved to focus on playing within himself and making calculated decisions on the court. While comparisons to Djokovic may arise due to their similar playing styles, Wilander believes that Sinner still has room to grow and adapt, especially on clay courts. As Sinner continues to develop his game and gain more experience, he has the potential to become a top contender on the ATP tour for years to come.
Looking ahead to the French Open, Wilander predicts that Alcaraz will be a heavy favorite due to his aggressive playing style and success on clay courts. While Sinner may not be the immediate favorite, Wilander acknowledges his potential to perform well in the tournament, especially in the five-set format where Sinner’s level-headedness can be advantageous. Wilander suggests that Sinner should maintain his aggressive approach during the upcoming clay court season to prepare for the challenges at Roland Garros. Despite the competition from players like Alcaraz, Sinner’s growth and confidence since his Australian Open win position him as a rising star in the tennis world who could make a significant impact at the French Open and beyond.
