Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic are similar in many ways. © ANSA / stf

Lobeshmyne on Sinner: Like Djokovic – only better

Jannik Sinner has had a season to remember forever, the tennis world is at the South Tyrolean's feet. A star coach has now described him as the second Novak Djokovic and explained what makes Sinner even better than the Serbian superstar.

26 November 2024

From: never

Triumphant at the Australian Open and the US Open, defending the Davis Cup title and the phenomenal march through the ATP Finals – Jannik Sinner regularly amazed the world last season.

Compared to last year, the Sextner has stepped up the ante in the crucial aspects of his game and has developed into an unshakeable mentality monster on the court. This certainly brings back memories of a certain Novak Djokovic.

"I think it makes sense to call him Djokovic 2.0," said French star coach Patrick Mouratoglou, drawing a parallel between the Serbian record Grand Slam champion and Sinner. "The movement, the counter-pressing, it's just incredible."

According to Mouratouglou, the current world number one has the same qualities as Djokovic - with a few improvements. "I think he is version 2.0 because he plays faster and receives the balls earlier."

Sinner: Error-free at the highest speed

One of Sinner's special qualities is his extremely low error rate. A circumstance that makes a victory over the rising star almost impossible at the moment.

In addition, his aggressive style of play means his opponents hardly have time to catch their breath. "If you attack him, he counters. He has the qualities of Novak in that regard," says Mouratoglou. "If you are very aggressive, get the balls early, don't give your opponent any time and make very few unforced errors, how are you supposed to play against a guy like that?"

"No matter what ball you hit, you are in danger. All the time." Patrick Mouratoglou

There is simply no way to beat Sinner at the moment. "He can handle any kind of ball. Whether it's spin, top spin or slice, he's never in trouble. No matter what ball you hit, you're in danger. All the time."

Mouratoglou has worked with many big names in the tennis world over the course of his career. The 54-year-old has trained with Grigor Dimitrov, Serena Williams, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Simona Halep, Holger Rune and Naomi Osaka, among others.