Andy Roddick makes a lavish Jannik Sinner claim after stunning Australian Open masterclass
Jannik Sinner turned on the style to beat Alex de Minaur in sparkling fashion in the Australian Open quarter-finals, with former world No 1 Andy Roddick suggesting the latest performances from the Italian were elevating him towards the ‘all-time greats’ in tennis.
Sinner bounced back from a concerning illness in his fourth round match against Holger Rune to produce his best performance of the tournament so far as he won 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 in a ruthlessly efficient fashion.
“I was feeling everything,” said Sinner, confirming he produced a near-flawless display against De Minaur.
“When you break quite early in each set it’s a little bit easier but Alex de Minaur is a very tough competitor, he’s an amazing player and I know so many guys came for him tonight but thank you so much for being so fair, it was an amazing atmosphere.
“We know each other quite well now, we played last year so many times and we try to understand each other’s game and try and prepare each other in the best possible way.
“But these kind of matches can go quickly but they can also change very fast if I go down a level a little bit, he takes opportunities, so I’m very happy about my performance.”
The under-stated Sinner could have been a little more lavish in his verdict on a majestic display, with 2001 US Open champion Roddick quick to hit back at snipers who suggested De Minaur could have done more to stop the world No 1.
In the latest episode of his Served podcast, Roddick explained how tough it is to combat Sinner when he is in the kind of form he produced against De Minaur (using his nickname Demon).
“This doesn’t mean Demon isn’t a great player,” said Roddick. “It just means Demon is rapidly approaching being one of the all-time greats.
“You see a lot of comments from people after this match and they say it is easy for Sinner. Demon takes a lop-sided loss and people think they are suddenly better at what they do.
“You have some chucker saying ‘this guy stinks’. Get out of here. He is No 8 in the world in a global sport and he maxes out. He is such a good fighter and athlete, he is really smart.
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“The trouble is Demon becomes exposed in this specific match-up. He doesn’t win sets against Sinner.
“I hope Alex de Minaur feels good about his run, making it through to the quarter-finals of his home Grand Slam, but the greats have the ability to switch up their games.
“Novak (Djokovic) can switch directions and switch pace. (Carlos) Alcaraz can switch directions and change pace with drop shots.
“I don’t want lazy coverage of Demon because he’s a rock star and he is respected in the dressing room.”
Roddick went on to suggest Ben Shelton needs to take big risks in his semi-final match with Sinner to have any chance of unsettling the world No 1.
“Sinner will pound Shelton’s backhand over and over,” he added. “Ben has to keep points short and tae irresponsible risks at times. It’s the only way he can win against Sinner.”
