Tennis News: Jannik Sinner, Italy's next-generation tennis sensation

Jannik Sinner of Italy is one of the most promising youngsters who can potentially dominate the tennis courts when the big three hang up their racquets.

Jannik Sinner is the current Italian No. 1 and stands at World No. 13 on the Pepperstone Atp Live Rankings.

The 21-year-old Italian sensation has won six ATP singles titles, and one doubles title. He became the youngest player since 2008 to win a tour-level title at the 2020 Sofia Open.

Jannik Sinner has impressed tennis experts and fans with his topspin, the balance between his forehand and backhand strikes, groundstroke strength, and court coverage. His playstyle has been compared to Roger Federer for his calm on-court demeanor and to Novak Djokovic due to his good lateral movement.

He won his maiden clay court title this season at Croatia Open after beating another rising star Carlos Alcaraz Garfia of Spain, 6-7(5-7), 6-1, 6-1.

Background

Jannik Sinner was born to Johann and Siglinde Sinner in San Candido, South Tyrol, Italy. He began playing tennis and skiing at the age of three. However, he soon stopped playing tennis to focus on skiing, winning a national championship aged eight and was one of Italy's top junior skiers. 

Jannik Sinner returned to playing tennis aged eight, owing to his father's persistence, but tennis was still not his priority. At 13, he decided to give up skiing to focus on tennis as he wanted more margin of error throughout the competition.

Comparison with the big three

Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest baseline players in tennis history. Playing against the Serbian great is like playing against a brick wall, as the ball always seems to be returned no matter what the opponent does.

Jannik Sinner seems similar to Novak Djokovic in this regard. The mobility and agility of Sinner, combined with his clean baseline strikes, allow him to overwhelm his opponents with ease.

Before the Wimbledon quarterfinal clash between Novak Djokovic and Jannik sinner, the 35-year-old Serb said, "I kind of see a little bit of myself in his game. From the back of the court, playing flat backhands, constantly staying on the back of the line, trying to put pressure on opponents."

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have also expressed high expectations from the rising Italian sensation.

"Jannik Sinner can win the US Open 2022," says Darren Cahill

Darren Cahill sees excellent potential in Jannik Sinner and believes he has improved tremendously over the last two years.

Darren Cahill said, "He is a very good boy, as well as a great player. I like working with people like that. I'm not interested in the ranking, but in the person and the potential, I see. Jannik is among those who can win the Grand Slams. And I mean now, not a year from now. Us Open?"