Boris Becker has been waxing lyrical about Jannik Sinner yet again, only adding to the unending praise the world number two continues to garner.
After all, it has been a revolutionary year already for the youngster, and only promises to get better as we get deeper into the clay-court season.
With more titles than losses in 2024, pundits the world over are running out of superlatives to describe Sinner.
However, Becker, who was the long-time coach of Novak Djokovic during an unparalleled trophy-laden period, has now conjured up new accolades to praise the Australian Open winner’s development.
Boris Becker was full of praise for Jannik Sinner
Speaking at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards press conference (via Tennis365), the former world number one was desperate to get his praise across to Sinner.
In fact, he was simply glowing with adulation for the young superstar, who has enjoyed a stunning 2024 laden with silverware.
However, in combing through his game, he seemed to detail one big change made from last year that has made all the difference.
He noted: ‘Obviously I love Jannik, red heads stick together. When I see Jannik, I see a younger version of myself, I love his poise, I love his mental attitude winning or losing – better than all of them.
‘I think Alcaraz is the more fascinating shot maker, he gets the crowd running but Jannik usually wins the last point with his attitude.
‘Yes, he has a lot more power than last year but he’s an unbelievable competitor, his competition instinct is second to none right now and that’s why he’s seeded No 1 in Madrid and that’s why this contrast in tennis is so exciting.’
Jannik Sinner has already made Madrid Open history
Inexplicably, before the Madrid Open has already started, the 22-year-old has written his name in tennis history.
However, it is not exactly through anything he has specifically done recently.
Upon overtaking Carlos Alcaraz as the world number two after winning the Miami Open final against Grigor Dimitrov, he further cemented himself as the highest-rated Italian in men’s tennis history.
And now, his latest exploit has made him the first Italian to be the top seed in a Masters 1000 event following Djokovic’s withdrawal.
So, whilst he has worked hard to get into that position, it was only made possible due to the Serbian’s absence.
Sinner will boast a fine opportunity to climb even closer to the 36-year-old’s top spot though, with few points to defend over the next few months in comparison to Djokovic.
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