Adriano Panatta, a fellow countryman, congratulated Jannik Sinner after the 22-year-old defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the 2024 Australian Open.
On Sunday, January 28, Jannik Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set match to win the Australian Open. Despite being two sets behind and in a difficult position, the Italian prevailed (3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, an overtime match).
In the Open Era, Sinner became the second Italian player to win a Grand Slam in singles. The former holder of the 1976 French Open championship, Adriano Panatta, accomplished the same feat.
Recently, Panatta shared his opinions about Sinner’s victory in Melbourne, pointing out that the young player’s improved playing style—which he likens to Novak Djokovic’s—was one of the factors in the youngster’s success.
According to Corriere della Sera, the Italian stated, “Because he now serves like the best hitters on the circuit and has a response worthy of Djokovic.”
The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is comparable to Sinner’s tenacious mentality, according to the former World No. 4.
In the Austrlian Open quarterfinal, Sinner easily overcame 10-time winner Djokovic, winning 6-1, 6-2, 6-7 (6), 6-3.
Furthermore, Panatta believed that Jannik Sinner was now a fully fledged player.
“He has a mindset that enables him to no longer be afraid of anyone, making him a complete tennis player. He does not tremble at anything and is chilly,” he continued.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal is comparable to Sinner’s tenacious mentality, according to the former World No. 4.
“The head is where everything originates… From that vantage point, Jannik reminds me of Rafael Nadal—a player who fights on the opening ball of the match as if it were his last and never gives up a fifteen. He said, “And the nice thing is that he still has a lot of room for improvement at the age of 22.”