Jannik Sinner has improved just like Novak Djokovic, something that no “young player” has done, says Mats Wilander

Sinner now heads into clay season with positivity despite his poor record on the surface.

Jannik Sinner has improved just like Novak Djokovic, something that no “young player” has done, says Mats Wilander

In background: Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner; In circle: Mats Wilander (Via Imago)

Jannik Sinner has been the best player by far this season on the ATP Tour, a continuation of his excellent performances from the end of last year. This has made tennis legend Mats Wilander assert he hasn’t seen a player improve as quickly as Sinner has since Novak Djokovic.

For context, a struggling start to the season for Djokovic has seen Sinner take the spotlight. With a perfect display in Melbourne, he won the 2024 Australian Open, beating Djokovic in the semifinals. He won the Rotterdam Open a few weeks later and reached the semifinals of the Indian Wells Masters.

Furthermore, the Italian leapfrogged Carlos Alcaraz, taking the No. 2 position after winning the Miami Open a few days back, and stands as the favorite to win the Monte Carlo Masters. However, Wilander believes that he has incredible improvement than any young player.

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It’s an incredible improvement, an improvement that I don’t think I’ve seen in a young player since the Big 3, when Novak Djokovic went from being a normal player to understanding ‘I’m better than these guys. If I play close to my best, I can just play my game.’ That’s the improvement Jannik Sinner has made.
Mats Wilander said via Eurosport

With only one loss this season, Sinner will be going into the clay swing with the hopes of winning a title, despite his poor record on the surface.

Jannik Sinner to face difficult clay season with positivity

Jannik Sinner has always lacked his normal brilliance on the clay court like he always does on the hard court. Heading into the Monte Carlo Masters, which starts on the 7th of April, the Italian will be looking to transform his poor record with his recent form.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via Imago)

His best performance on clay was at the Monte Carlo last year when he reached the semifinals and lost to Holger Rune. In 2021 and 2022, he reached the fourth round of the French Open but got knocked out in the second round last year. When asked about his poor clay form, he was positive.

There are always some strange results usually in Monaco, so let’s see what’s coming this year.

 Sinner said after winning the Miami Open title

Despite his poor clay form, the Italian will be hoping to win the Monte Carlo, which will see him leapfrog Novak Djokovic and go to No.1 position. However, if the 22-year-old doesn’t win the Monte Carlo Masters, Rome or BMW Munich will be another good opportunity for him.

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