Like Roger Federer Helped Rafael Nadal Change, Jannik Sinner Mentions Two ATP Pros Who Challenged Him to Reach New Heights
In tennis, there’s a dynamic where each player finds an opponent who challenges them to improve—someone who elevates their game to new heights. Rafael Nadal considered Roger Federer to be that guy, and their rivalry drove them both to become the pinnacle of tennis. Like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer before him, Jannik Sinner disclosed the identities of the tennis players who inspire him to keep improving.
Daniel Medvedev and Carlos Alcaraz are in the quarterfinal round of the Miami Open, trying their hardest to go over Sinner, while the Italian tennis star has secured his spot in the semi-final round. In an interview with Tennis Channel following his quarterfinal win, the 22-year-old tennis player was questioned about the players who inspire him to improve, much like Nadal had to improve himself to take on Federer.
Sinner replied by sharing how the competition from Alcaraz and Medvedev kept him alert and focused on his ascent in the game.”I believe it’s encouraging to see, and it also helps me become a better player since, in addition to Carlos, Daniil is one type of player who has helped me improve because I have never defeated him. In order for you to know that there are players that can improve you, he stated, “I try to work on you knowing a couple of certain volley drop shots, opening the court with the shot, corners, and angles.”
In addition, he emphasized that although he initially lost to the Russian tennis star, he still has a chance to defeat him in the future if he makes certain improvements. But before that, he clarified that tennis players must advance to a particular stage, like the semifinals or finals, in order to even be given the chance to play against Alcarz or Medvedev.
In the Australian Open final, Sinner defeated the Russian tennis star and earned his maiden Grand Slam championship. However, despite losing to his opponent, a 20-year-old, in the Indian Wells final, he advanced the notion that players improve with challenging competition. When the 20-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray retired a few years ago, he also discussed the motivating route.
