Jannik Sinner told how to ‘add small details, to evolve’ by Toni Nadal
Jannik Sinner has been told that “he could be more precise” with certain features of his game by Toni Nadal with the renowned coach also highlighting the areas where the Italian finds himself behind Carlos Alcaraz.
The top two players in the ATP Rankings produced another superb episode in the rivalry during the 2025 French Open final as they battled it out for five hours and 29 minutes.
Sinner initially had the upper hand at Roland Garros as he won the opening two sets, but Alcaraz responded by winning the third set before the world No 1 found himself on the brink of glory as he had three match points in the fourth set.
But Alcaraz somehow managed to dig himself out of a hole as he saved the match points and went on to win 4–6, 6–7 (4–7), 6–4, 7–6 (7–3), 7–6 (10–2) in what ended up being the second-longest Grand Slam final.
The 22-year-old has now won their last four meetings and leads the head-to-head 8-4.
Nadal – the uncle and former coach of the great Rafael Nadal – admits it is very close between the two stars of the game, but Alcaraz has the edge in important moments.
During an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “I think the Spaniard is mentally a little superior in the decisive moments, while the Italian is better at imposing a very high pace without making mistakes. But when it’s the key moment, between the two of them, maybe Carlos is a little superior.
“Sometimes it’s just that your game and that of your rival don’t combine well. Carlos dominates the precedents with Sinner, but the truth is that if the Italian had had a little more luck, he would have two more victories and Carlos two more defeats.
“All it takes is one ball in or out, and chaos breaks out: everyone becomes an expert, the press looks for exceptional explanations. Instead, you have to resign yourself: sport is a simple thing.”
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Sinner is 92-9 since the start of the 2024 season and five of his defeats have been against Alcaraz.
Nadal revealed areas where Sinner can improve.
“I speak as an outside observer, Sinner’s coaches know very well what needs to be worked on,” he stated
“He has a great serve, very powerful forehand and backhand, and he is very solid. He could be more precise in the drop shots, and sometimes he is a bit in a hurry.
“Carlos, on the other hand, is more creative. Everyone can do better; even [Roger] Federer perfected his backhand. Jannik will continue to add small details, to evolve.”
