Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic’s Former Coach Discusses Their Similarities and Differences

Introduction

Riccardo Piatti, the former coach of both Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, recently shared his insights on the similarities and differences between these two tennis greats. Alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner has emerged as a leading figure in the new era of men’s tennis, following the dominance of the ‘Big 3’: Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer.

Sinner’s Rise to the Top

At just 23 years old, Sinner has already secured three Grand Slam titles and currently holds the World No. 1 ranking, a position he claimed from Djokovic in June 2024. The duo has delivered some thrilling matches recently, with their playing styles often compared by tennis enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Piatti’s Analysis

Piatti, who coached both players during their teenage years, observed:

“Sinner, if you compare to Djokovic, has a similar technique and movement, but I think his shots are now stronger than Nole. Of course, Nole is older now, but I think Jannik here has something more. They’re very different but also very similar in a way. I think Jannik is stronger than Novak now because he’s younger.”

He further highlighted their mental fortitude:

“Sometimes I forget how Novak was when he was younger, but what is clear is that he went through a lot of tough situations with having Roger and Rafa in front of him. But yes, mentally, they’re both very strong. And when I talk about a strong mind, I mean they’re both very clear about what they need to do. They immediately understand what’s needed, and they do it.”

Head-to-Head Record

Djokovic and Sinner have faced each other eight times on the ATP Tour, with their rivalry currently tied at four wins each. Djokovic dominated the early encounters, winning three of their first four matches. However, Sinner has turned the tide, claiming victory in three of their last four meetings. Notably, in 2024, Sinner handed Djokovic his first Australian Open loss since 2018 and has since won the last two editions of the tournament. Their most recent clash occurred in the Shanghai Masters final in October, leaving fans eager for their next encounter in 2025.

src=”https://example.com/tim_clayton_corbis_via_getty_images.jpg” alt=”Riccardo Piatti with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic”> Riccardo Piatti offer a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. As Sinner continues to ascend in the tennis world, drawing parallels with Djokovic’s illustrious career, the tennis community keenly anticipates their future matchups and the potential shifts in the sport’s landscape.