The two decisive victories for Jannik Sinner “made it evident he might win a Slam,” recognized by a significant winner
Two wins Jannik Sinner had towards the end of 2023, according to Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek, made it evident” he might win a Grand Slam title.
The former world number one said that Sinner’s victories over Daniil Medvedev in the Vienna final and Novak Djokovic in the Davis Cup finals were significant.
Last month, in the 2024 Australian Open final, Sinner defeated Medvedev in five sets to win his first major championship. Ten-time champion Djokovic was overthrown by the world No. 4 in the Melbourne semifinals.
The Italians had a great finish to the 2023 season, winning championships in Beijing and Vienna in October, making it to the ATP Finals final, and guiding Italy to the Davis Cup championship in November.
In the ATP 500 tournament finals in Beijing and Vienna—the latter a demanding three-set match—the 22-year-old overcame Medvedev. Prior to these matches, he was 0–6 versus the Russian.
The following month, Sinner saved three match points at 4-5, 0-40 in the third set of his pivotal second singles rubber triumph over Djokovic to preserve Italy’s place in the Davis Cup quarterfinal match against Serbia.
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When questioned about Sinner’s qualities as a player and a person, ATP Rotterdam tournament director Krajicek was all praise in an interview with Ubitennis.
This will be a champion, [Riccardo] Piatti told me when we first met in Monte Carlo when he was very young, and he was correct, the 52-year-old remarked. “I don’t know him very well.”
I am aware that he attended a large-scale event in the heart of Turin alongside Alcaraz, whereas practically all of the attention was focused on Alcaraz last year. They are both, in my opinion, the most beloved young individuals right now.
I also know Lawrence Frankopan, his agent, who represents only equally delightful players. He is a delightful person.
Moreover, the Dutchman stated that, before his two significant victories in the latter part of last year, Sinner’s physical stamina was the only aspect of his game that could be questioned.
He’s a fantastic player, to be sure. The only possible reason for skepticism would have been his physical condition; in the previous year’s final against Medvedev, Krajicek said, “You could tell that his legs didn’t work.
I think he’s grown a lot, as seen by his wins in Vienna and the Davis Cup match, where he defeated Djokovic with three match points. Those two games demonstrated to me that he was capable of winning a slam.
