‘No changeup yet’ – Jannik Sinner dismisses idea Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are ‘in trouble’
World number 13 Jannik Sinner does not believe the ATP tour is yet ready for a big shift in power and that the Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal will recapture their finest form soon enough.
Along with 19-year-old Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner, 20, is leading the charge from the very best of the youngest players on the men’s tour.
He and the Spaniard have won the two most recent ATP Next Gen Finals and between them have 10 tour titles in the last three seasons, three Masters 1000 finals and two Masters titles, both for the younger man.
Sinner explained his view on the current state of the tour to Corriere Della Sera, saying: “The best seem to be in trouble.
“But the truth is that Nadal has won the Australian Open and that Djokovic has played little so far but will find his form again in view of Paris.
“I don’t know if we’re ready for a changeup but I’m certainly lucky to be there in the leading group.
“It’s a fun tennis to play and, I think, to watch.”
Nadal and Djokovic were both on the receiving end of defeats to Alcaraz on the youngsters journey to the Madrid title.
Sinner was asked about fellow Next Gen star Alcaraz and if the Spaniard’s steep rise has affected his own outlook.
He responded: “No, everyone plays their own tennis and follows their own path.
“I never think about Alcaraz, his speed of growth, his talent.
“I focus on myself.”
After Sinner won the Next Gen Finals in 2019 he ended his next full season in 2021 by appearing at the full ATP Finals in Turin as an alternate.
At present, Alcaraz looks set to emulate the Italian by winning the 2021 Next Gen Finals before possibly qualifying for this year’s elite season-ending championships.
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