Jannik Sinner: Marin Cilic explains when everything changed

Marin Cilic in an interview with Tennis Channel talked about the Jannik Sinner–Carlos Alcaraz duopoly, pointing out how a recent change in tennis has favored the two new phenomena. “It&#8217s happened around 2019, a change in balls that I personally felt: they became harder, and it became more difficult to play touch tennis, to soften the ball, it became more of a “hit and go””.

According to the Croatian tennis player, Sinner and Alcaraz are the two players who have taken the most advantage of this change: “The two best players are the two great hitters, Sinner and Alcaraz. They can hit in every corner of the court, move incredibly well and have many weapons, forehand, backhand and a great serve”.

“I think the game has changed that way, at the moment it is really difficult to play, to turn the ball over, to take advantage of the opponent&#8217s speed, to use tactics, if you can&#8217t hit hard across the court, it is really hard to win”.

Cilic however admits that the level of men’s tennis is higher than it was a few years ago: “I think overall the level has increased, I think there are more and more guys playing at a very good level. In the end, between the guys who don’t make it and the guys who do, the differences are really tiny. It doesn&#8217t just depend on how you hit the ball, it depends on scheduling, training, how they take care of their bodies, nutrition, little details that change everything”.