Jannik Sinner’s ex-coach draws comparisons between the Italian and Novak Djokovic
Jannik Sinner leapfrogged both Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic to become World No.1 for the first time in his career in June 2024.
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Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic (Images via ATP/X)
Riccardo Piatti, the former coach of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, has drawn comparisons between the two tennis superstars. The famous Italian coach has worked with some of the best players in the world, and he gave an interview to Tennis Majors to discuss how Djokovic and Sinner match up against each other.
Piatti believes that despite similarities in their games, Djokovic and Sinner are very different. He also recalled Djokovic’s mental toughness during his prime years when he faced rivals like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
They are very different but also very similar in a way. I think Jannik is stronger than Novak today because he is younger. Sometimes I forget how Novak was when he was younger, but what is clear is that he has been through a lot of difficult situations with Roger and Rafa in front of him. But yes, mentally they are both very strong. And when I say mentally strong, I mean they are both very clear about what they have to do. They understand immediately what has to be done and they do it.
Riccardo Piatti said on Tennis Majors
Sinner and Djokovic are currently in a very tense rivalry, with their head-to-head record tied at 4-4. The Serb started the rivalry strong, but Sinner has had the 37-year-old’s number since late 2023. Sinner has beaten Djokovic in four of their last five meetings, including their most recent encounter in the 2024 Shanghai Open final. Djokovic’s last win over Sinner was at the 2023 ATP Finals.
Can Novak Djokovic edge Carlos Alcaraz for Indian Wells crown?
The BNP Paribas Open always brings something new each year. An icon might retire, a star could return, or a rising player may shine. This year is no different, with fresh storylines to follow at Indian Wells.
One of the biggest stories is if Carlos Alcaraz can win his third straight title at the event. Only Novak Djokovic (2014–16) and Roger Federer (2004–06) have done this before. Djokovic was 28 and Federer was 24 when they did it. Alcaraz is just 21.
Top-ranked Jannik Sinner is suspended, and Djokovic is recovering from a hamstring injury. This makes Alcaraz the clear favorite to win this year.
Djokovic is expected to return to Indian Wells. He lost his first match there last March and has not won a match at this event since 2019. The Serbian star, now 37, has won five titles at Indian Wells, tied with Federer for the most. However, his success will depend on how well his body holds up.
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