Start 2024 as he finished 2023. Finalist of the last Masters, winner of the Davis Cup with Italy and capable of beating Novak Djokovic twice in ten days flat, Jannik Sinner finished last season with a bang. Since then, a lot of rest and the desire to get back in the saddle. It will be this Sunday in Melbourne, where the transalpine player faces the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp for his entry into the Australian Open. The first match of a year that he hopes will be unforgettable.
“We experienced very beautiful emotions (end of 2023), confides his coach Simone Vagnozzi to La Repubblica this Friday. These are the things we are looking for, when we talk about tournaments (…) These last three months, Jannik has been one of the best, if not the best. Then the euphoria passes (…) Me, I always have a person used to the work. Jannik’s objective is to become world number one . Winning a Grand Slam tournament? That only happens with hard work…”
For 2024, the Sinner coach therefore has a plan “to consolidate what has already been built”: “finish in the top 5 and stay at this level”. “Because, when you play at this level, you can aim for things and something escapes you. Yes, we are talking about the Grand Slam tournaments”, adds Vagnozzi, who assures that the most difficult “is not to put back into play”, “but how”.
We want it without any weak points
Concerning the areas for improvement, Vagnozzi believes that they are numerous. “What he is doing now can become even more effective,” he warns. “We want him without any weak points, but while still making him remain a player who hits hard to put his opponent in difficulty. There is also the tactical part : Before, Jannik played in one way. Now he adapts, he knows when to push or wait, aim along the line or lift. And also the volley. Now he has a better reading of everything.”
Current world number 4 and winner of 10 tournaments in his career, Sinner remains with his feet on the ground. But the desire to fly to the heights of world tennis remains. “Without work, could Djokovic, Nadal and Federer have gotten to where they are? Our life must be this: close a chapter and start a new one,” concludes his coach. That of 2024 begins this Sunday.
Jannik Sinner
Credit: Getty Images
2024-01-12 10:21:00
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