Jannik Sinner was among the young to watch in 2019, earning numerous milestones for the 2001 generation and finishing the year in the top-80, as only the fifth U18 player since 2000! Choosing tennis to ski a couple of years ago, Jannik didn’t have much need to show his immense talent, making a professional debut in 2018 and reaching the first Futures final that season.
By setting even higher goals for 2019, the aggressive player won the first Challenger crown on a covered field at home in Bergamo in February, dominating in the last three matches and presenting himself to our sport in the best way!
It was the first Challenger crown for the 2001 generation, giving Jannik a huge boost that led him to the Trento Futures trophy in the following week, extending the winning streak and earning more ATP points. Sinner secured another clay futures title to earn 16 straight streak professional victories, preparing for the ATP debut in Budapest as a qualifier!
The Italian scored his first ATP victory in Hungary and received a wildcard at home at the Masters 1000 event in Rome, prompting Steve Johnson to become the first player of his generation with a victory at the ATP premium level. In July, Jannik clinched another Challenger title in Lexington and qualified for the US Open, losing to Stan Wawrinka in four sets in the first round and collecting more experience on the most significant tennis stage.
Sinner secured his place in the top-100 after the Antwerp semifinal and a triumph at the ATP 500 event in Vienna, determined to justify the invitation to the Next Gen Finals in Milan. Collecting impulses from the home crowd, Jannik eliminated the best ranked and most experienced rivals to become the third champion of this tournament after Hyeon Chung and Stefanos Tsitsipas, completing the season with the third Challenger title a week later in Ortisei.
This was enough to put the Italian in the top 80 in view of 2020, where he advanced in the neighborhoods of Rotterdam, waiting for a better race when the season resumes in August.
Meanwhile, Sinner has worked hard with his coach Riccardo Piatti at home and in Monte Carlo for the past two months, shaping his game and preparing for the trip to the United States.
Making his important debut at the Australian Open, the young cannon had the opportunity to train with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, gathering experiences from the most famous duo in the history of the game. Piatti would like to organize more tests with the world no.
2 Nadal in the following months if all goes well and the players hit the field again, praising the Spaniard and his skills to make the right decision in the most difficult moments. “Since there are no tournaments, we try to simulate games in training; Jannik always learns something new and improves his game.
Until three years ago, Sinner played tennis only three times a week. He has learned a lot since then, but there is still much more to master. I want you to learn how the big stars deal with the most crucial moments of the meeting.
Only by training with them, Sinner will have the opportunity to increase his level. I have already spoken to Carlos Moya and we will organize other meetings in the future. I want Jannik to learn how Rafa Nadal tackles the problems on the pitch.
In the United States, we should meet John McEnroe. He is an experienced person and Jannik could improve his game by working with him. He could give important advice not only for his tennis career but also for life. ”
