Paolo Bertolucci knows where he needs to improve Jannik Sinner

The words of Paolo Bertolucci

Paolo Bertolucci, in the Gazzetta dello Sport, had his say on Jannik Sinner’s defeat in the final in Rotterdam: “The strongest won, and so applause to Medvedev. It had appeared clear during the week that the Russian was regaining the certainties and sensations of when he looked down on everyone with his number one ranking, but I did not expect he could reach the level shown in the Rotterdam Final.”

“Sinner’s defeat certainly does not represent a step backward, but rather a confirmation of a maturation and awareness that will take him far this season, assuming his physical problems give him respite. For an hour, Jannik was the best player on the court against a version of Medvedev close to his best days. From the second set onward, also aided by Medvedev’s greater aggressiveness, Sinner had too mixed a performance with his serve and in order to hold the ball speed of the man in front of him, he incurred in too many forehand volleys, particularly with his forehand. It is evident, as evidenced by the five defeats in as many matches, that the Russian’s game still presents insoluble puzzles for our player, who perhaps could have even more tried the net route to allow himself alternative opportunities. The match also said that at the moment Jannik does not possess in his serve a weapon that can guarantee him a change of register when the tactical canvas requires it.”

“This is not a rejection, the boy, in the last two weeks, has shown progress in all areas of the game, reinforcing with a win and another final the decision to change coaches made just a year ago. Sinner is a sponge, in the sense that he is adept at absorbing every directive given to him by his team, and therefore will be able to draw fruitful lessons even from yesterday’s defeat. If anything, the fact that a defeat in the final against a former world number is experienced as a disappointment by many, after winning another tournament a week ago, almost forgetting that we are talking about a 21-year-old boy, gives an idea of the expectations Sinner carries on his shoulders. And that they continue to be well placed. Now more than ever,” he concluded.