Thiem reveals a backstory on Jannik Sinner: "So it makes an even bigger impression"

Former Austrian tennis player Dominic Thiem, winner of the 2020 U.S. Open, in an interview with BTA Podcast revealed some background on Jannik Sinner, and some details about the work there was on the part of the South Tyrolean before he became an established champion: “I happened to see him sometimes in the morning, before the day started, in the gymnasium of the various tournaments, doing very specific exercises.”

“Boring exercises, actually, if you look at them; and I think they were boring for him as well, very slow stability exercises. Having the ability to work hard is a great talent in itself. It’s not just about working hard, it’s about being able to do it for many years in a row, consistently. I know many guys who are able to make incredible efforts, but after a few weeks or months, they end up there. They run out of steam. Being consistent is a key key,” Thiem pointed out.

Sinner is all that and more: “He is a methodical worker, incredibly stable in every aspect. And then, the thing that stands out the most right now, which you obviously couldn’t notice when he was 16 or 17, is the way he moves. It’s incredible.”

His movements on the court make him the most impressive player on the circuit: “Live he’s even more impressive: the way he gets on every ball … no matter what pressure situation you put him in, he’s always there and he can get his balance back to give you a really difficult ball back. I would say that’s what stands out the most.”

Manic work has allowed Sinner to make the most of and enhance his talent: “I think I trained with him when he was 16 or 17; he obviously played very well, he was very solid, but we couldn’t make any predictions. We knew he would have a wonderful career, but I had doubts: I didn’t know if he would make it to the top 20, top 10, or become what he is today: a tennis legend who plays every Grand Slam title.”