John McEnroe warns Jannik Sinner: “There is a strong risk.”

John McEnroe warns Jannik Sinner: "C'è a strong risk"

John McEnroe in an interview with Corriere della Sera commented on the rise to the throne of Jannik Sinner, the new world number one after Novak Djokovic withdrew from Roland Garros. The U.S. tennis legend pointed out the South Tyrolean player's particular character: "Italians are passionate and emotional like me, while Jannik è serious and compassionate. Becoming No. 1 by you è a potentially disruptive role, you got a taste of it with Berrettini finalist at Wimbledon".

According to McEnroe, Sinner runs the risk of feeling the pressure of primacy enormously: "Not an easy position to hold, indeed. The eyes always on you, the pressure, everyone pulling at your jacket. Where does Sinner usually rest in Italy? Does he know he will have to go around escorted? È a quiet, reserved fellow, who likes to travel under the radar: he will go up against the Italian ’enthusiasm. I wish him to have fun in the leadership role, to give himself some room to maneuver if not; the number one is likely to crush him".

McEnroe praised Jannik’s coaches: "Could I have been the supercoach? Let’s be clear: the boy’s coach was Riccardo Piatti, whom I have known all my life, but there’è was never an official proposal. I liked the idea, I would be willing to travel 10-12 weeks a year, not full time. Nothing came of it and that’s fine; Cahill is doing a fantastic job, he deserves the Hall of Fame as a coach. After Agassi, Hewitt and Halep, Jannik è the fourth tennis player he brings to the top. The numbers speak for themselves: Sinner has chosen the best".

Dualism with Carlos Alcaraz: "The rivalry" we needed, the new Federer-Nadal. Jannik broke the ice with the Slam in Australia, Carlos è my favorite to watch: the ’electricityà he brings to the court gives me joy. Contrasting characters and styles: very difficult prediction. Certainly Jannik è destined to be a multiple Slam winner, Carlos è already is. His pursuit of Sinner’s throne will be exciting. I remember the No. 2 years as the best of my career. As king, then, it all becomes more complicated".