Del Potro Offers Both Incentives and Discipline to Sinner: “He’s Like Djokovic, But…”
Juan Martin del Potro, the 2009 U.S. Open champion, spoke with ESPN Latina about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. The former Argentine tennis player had no hesitation in naming his favorite: “For me, Alcaraz is the best player today. No one is as well-rounded as Carlos. He and Sinner are competing for the most prestigious titles. Jannik’s game resembles Novak Djokovic’s because he’s very consistent in his performance, but the Spaniard can hit every kind of shot and is magical. That’s why I’m a big fan of his.”
Del Potro went on to highlight the potential of his compatriots: “We have a good generation of players. Sometimes they’re prone to too many ups and downs, but in general they perform at a high level and can make their mark when they’re in top form.” At the US Open, among the Argentines who stood out the most were Francisco Cerundolo and Tomas Martin Etcheverry, as well as Mariano Navone, who played a key role in eliminating Matteo Berrettini. Cerundolo lost in four sets to Belgium’s Alexander Blockx, while Etcheverry was defeated by local favorite Alex Michelsen.
Meanwhile, there are signs of progress from Jannik Sinner: the Italian, who watched Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s triumph at Monza over the weekend, is working to regain his best form after a long layoff due to tendinopathy in his right knee. The world No. 1 underwent a test at the Circolo della Stampa Sporting and tried out some movements on the court with his racket, although he has not yet resumed regular training. At the same time, Sinner is continuing his rehabilitation at J Medical, where he has been based for weeks now and where he is continuing to undergo therapy.
By the end of the week, the champion from Sesto Pusteria could return to Monte Carlo to resume training. The goal, provided there are no knee issues, is to fly to Asia to compete in the Beijing tournament and then the Shanghai Masters 1000, before tackling the final stretch of the season in Paris and at the ATP Finals. Encouraging signs are coming out of Asia. Beijing tournament director Lars Graff, interviewed by *La Gazzetta dello Sport*, expressed confidence: “I’m hearing reassuring reports from Italy. Jannik is working well and is managing his recovery wisely. Unfortunately, tennis presents us with these kinds of unexpected setbacks, but fortunately it’s nothing serious, and we’re waiting for him with open arms. The Chinese fans are passionate about him: he’s so calm, kind, and polite to everyone, and he’s always enjoyed his time here.”
