Jannik Sinner is quickly making a name for himself in the biggest stage of Tennis. The Italian youngster is being dubbed to be the next Roger Federer by McEnroe. Despite bursting onto the scene last year in November, Sinner seems to have whatever it takes to be one of the best next-generation tennis players. Since the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic are getting closer to retirement, tennis enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for youngsters to step up.
John McEnroe did not hesitate to express his huge admiration for Jannik Sinner. In fact, he regarded the teenager as a future dominant tennis player. The seven-time Grand Slam title winner also told reporters that Sinner has the potential to clinch several Grand slams in the near future.
“His potential is to win numerous Grand Slams. He’s one of the most talented kids I’ve seen in 10 years,” he said.
Jannik Sinner to be in the top 10 in a few years
Last year, Sinner won the next Gen Finals by beating Alex de Minaur 4-2 4-1 4-2. He was also named as the Newcomer of the year in ATP. Besides, Jannik Sinner is the youngest tennis player to be ranked in 80th in ATP rankings, a feat that was last achieved by Rafael Nadal in 2003. With such achievements under his name, McEnroe is convinced that the Italian will be among the ten best-ranked tennis players in a few years.
“But I suspect in a few years you’re going to see him in the top 10 of the game. Give him two or three years for sure, I believe,” he said.
A tough task awaits Sinner
Regardless of the hype and praises around Jannik Sinner, he is expected to face off with great competitors. It will not be a walk in the park in his quest to achieve a higher ATP rank or win a Grand Slam. According to McEnroe, Sinner needs to be aware of the challenge ahead of him to be successful in his tennis career.
“He’s going to be hunted a little bit himself and people are going to dig in a little bit more and not want to lose to an 18-year-old. So he’s going to have that to contend with,” McEnroe told reporters. But he still insisted that the youngster has the potential to succeed in the coming years.
Jannik Sinner’s ranking and performance in 2020
Now ranked no.79, the Italian played his last match on the 13th of January when he lost to Benoit Paire 6-4 2-6 6-4 in the 1st round in Auckland.
Roger Federer’s ranking and performance in 2020
Ranked world no.3, Federer played his last match on the 16th of November when he was overcome by Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-3 6-4 in the semifinal in the Nitto ATP Finals.
Jannik Sinner and Roger Federer have never played each other.
