The rising star of Italian tennis, 22-year-old Matteo Arnaldi, is setting his sights on emulating the prowess and demeanor of the legendary Novak Djokovic, both on and off the court.
Ranked World No. 44, Arnaldi, driven by high expectations for himself, finds inspiration in the 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic. His coach, Alessandro Petrone, expressed confidence in Arnaldi’s potential, citing Djokovic as a role model to help Arnaldi maintain a grounded perspective.
In a recent interview with Ubitennis, Petrone lauded Arnaldi as a “complete player” without any conspicuous weaknesses. Despite Arnaldi’s breakthrough into the top 50 this year, Petrone believes that the young talent has a considerable journey ahead, brimming with potential for extraordinary achievements.
Throughout Arnaldi’s tennis journey, the influence of Novak Djokovic has captured both the attention of the Italian player and his coach. They admire Djokovic for his conduct on the court and unwavering dedication to the game.
“Matteo is a very complete player, he has no particular gaps or weaknesses. He surely needs to improve a little on the consistency of his backhand, his most natural stroke. His arrival in the top 50 does not give him the impression of having arrived,” Petrone remarked. “He has very high goals and expectations, which is why he stays down to earth. In fact, Djokovic, all things considered, is our reference on and off the court.”
Matteo Arnaldi’s aspiration to emulate Djokovic’s mindset and game approach reflects the impact of the Serbian champion’s legacy on the next generation of tennis talents. With his determination and admiration for Djokovic’s approach, Arnaldi aims to carve his own path toward success, guided by the example set by one of tennis’s greatest icons.
Matteo Arnaldi in 2023
LLLWLWLWWL Currently the world no.44, Arnaldi played his last match on the 26th of November when he beat world no.40 Alexei Popyrin 7-5 2-6 6-4 in the Rubber 1 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season Arnaldi has a 51-26 record. Arnaldi clinched 3 titles in 2023 in the Tenerife 2 Challenger, the Murcia Challenger and the Heilbronn Challenger.
Arnaldi is scheduled to play next in Brisbane (Brisbane International). He will begin to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 31st of December.
Novak Djokovic in 2023
LWWWWWWLWW Ranked no.1, the Serbian played his last match on the 25th of November when he surrendered to world no.4 Jannik Sinner 6-2 2-6 7-5 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
Until now, during this year Novak has achieved a 56-7 match record. The Serbian conquered 7 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati, U.S. Open, Paris and the Nitto ATP Finals. Novak was the runner-up in Wimbledon.
Matteo Arnaldi and Novak Djokovic have never squared off.
Matteo Arnaldi and Novak Djokovic |
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