Jannik Sinner has the same “competitive arrogance bordering on ruthlessness” as Novak Djokovic, according to renowned tennis coach Riccardo Piatti — who worked with both players.
As well as Sinner and Djokovic, Piatti has coached a host of tennis stars, including Maria Sharapova, Ivan Ljubicic, Milos Raonic, Richard Gasquet and Borna Coric.
The Italian worked with a teenage Djokovic from late 2005 until June 2006, and later declared he knew the Serb could reach the very top.
“When we worked together I thought he could become No 1 in the world at the level of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer because Novak always worked hard as a kid, with the family, and he was very focused and determined to be world No 1,” Piatti told Reuters during Djokovic’s outstanding 2011 season.
Piatti later played an integral role during Sinner‘s formative years, having worked with his Italian compatriot from the age of 13 until 20. Sinner chose to end the partnership in February 2022.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera, Piatti was asked if he still speaks to Sinner and gave an insight into the world No 1’s belief.
“Rarely. But on November 8, he sent me birthday wishes. It was the eve of the [2024] ATP Finals. ‘Have fun and make us have fun’, I wrote [to] him. ‘It will go well’, he replied. He already knew. He knew he was going to win,” he divulged.
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Addressing the current state of the ATP Tour in Sinner’s absence, Piatti revealed the Italian reminds him of Djokovic.
“I see a period of transition,” Piatti assessed. “At the top, there’s a much-improved Sinner. Alcaraz is chasing, but don’t crucify him — he already has four Slams, he was born in 2003, he is still building his life and career. Maturity will come.
“A generational shift is underway. Joao Fonseca, at 18, has played only 33 ATP matches. I used to tell Jannik that he needed to play 150 before he could aim for the next level. He was in a hurry — by the 139th, he became world No 9. Let’s give Fonseca time, let’s talk again when he reaches 80 matches.
“Mensik has played 69 and has already won in Miami. I find him interesting, but again, let’s check back in 60 or 70 matches. I don’t know the motivation of these talents, but I knew Jannik’s well — it reminded me a lot of Novak Djokovic.”
Asked to summarise the similarities he sees between Sinner and Djokovic, Piatti added: “A competitive arrogance bordering on ruthlessness.”
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