Jannik Sinner described as ‘Novak Djokovic 2.0’ but with one key difference
Jannik Sinner has the “same qualities” as Novak Djokovic, but he has added something extra to his game that makes him a bit unique, according to renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou.
Sinner has enjoyed an outstanding 2024 campaign as he won his maiden Grand Slam at the Australian Open in January before notching up a second major when he won the US Open seven months later.
He won eight titles in total – including the ATP Finals undefeated – and finished as the year-end No 1 in the ATP Rankings.
Many believe Sinner had a Djokovic-like season not just in terms of his achievements, but how he upped his game during the year to become the best in the world.
Mouratoglou feels the Italian is Djokovic 2.0, but he has one advantage over the tennis legend.
“I think it makes sense to call him Djokovic 2.0 because movement, counterpunching, unbelievable,” he told Tennis Majors during an episode of Eye of the Coach.
“Same qualities as Novak and I think he added 2.0 because he is playing faster by taking the balls earlier. He is moving up all the time.”
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Frenchman Mouratoglou explained just why Sinner has become such an unbelievable player that is tough to get the better of these days.
“I think what makes Sinner very special is his ability to play at an incredibly high pace without missing,” he added.
“I think he is one of the guys who plays the fastest because of the way he hits the ball but also because of his movement. He is moving forward all the time. That makes it extremely difficult to play against him. Plus, his movement is unbelievable.
“Basically when you attack him, he counter punches. He has the qualities of Novak in terms of counter-punching and I think he plays at a higher pace than Novak, taking the balls earlier, moving forward more.
“When you are very aggressive taking the balls early, giving no time to your opponent and making an extremely limited number of unforced errors, how do you play against a guy like that?
“He improved his serve lately, which is very important. If you look at the matches, when there are key moments, he hits aces, and his return is amazing.
“You have to hurt him, to be able to play at an incredibly high pace too, because he is okay with any type of ball. You can play with spin, top spin, you can play with slice, play fast, you can play so, he is never in trouble.
“Every time he is going to be the one to attack you.
“Before most of his aggressive shots were coming from the forehand and now he is able to be as aggressive with the backhand and also change direction really easily. Whatever ball you hit, you’re in danger. All the time.”
