Jannik Sinner and the opponents who improved it: three names out of all

Jannik Sinner is No. 1 in the world. An outstanding achievement, the child of talent, dedication and also the skill of certain opponents. The Italian was “helped” in his growth path by certain tennis players who, in fact, forced him to improve on certain details that eventually became his strength.

It is impossible not to mention Daniil Medveded. Everyone remembers the 2021 ATP Finals when the Russian yawned before the then-acerbic Jannik Sinner. A gesture that led the Italian to find within himself the strength to react and show Daniil Medvedev that he would not be bored anymore, in fact he would start losing many matches against him.

Same for Novak Djokovic. The former world No. 1 was always a role model for Jannik Sinner. The two losing challenges at Wimbledon (2022 and 2023) against the then best tennis player around “forced” the South Tyrolean to find ways to improve. The taboo was broken at the 2023 ATP Finals after about a three-hour battle. The first of several victories.

Now it is Carlos Alcaraz the opponent Jannik Sinner sees as the one who can take him to another level of tennis. His defeat last year at Roland Garros convinced the Italian to “change his game.” The Spaniard is Jannik Sinner’s real nemesis and, from a certain point of view, his absence is a problem. The two stimulate each other. Meanwhile, there are many young people who dream of joining the short list of those tennis players who are pure gasoline for the world No. 1’s engine. From Joao Fonseca to Rafael Jodar, just to give two examples.