LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Greg Rusedski says what he found ‘frightening’ after watching Jannik Sinner at the Six Kings Slam recently

Novak Djokovic in action against Sinner Jannik (not seen) during semi-final tennis match in the 'Six Kings Slam' exhibition tournament in Riyadh, S...
Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits
Follow us on Google Discover

Greg Rusedski explains what amazed him about Jannik Sinner’s game after watching him at the Six Kings Slam.

The last time the Italian was seen in action was at the Saudi Arabia exhibition event. This is because Sinner withdrew from the ongoing Paris Masters.

The 23-year-old won that event, by defeating Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in successive matches to claim the title and record-breaking £6 million prize money.

During that tournament, Rusedski was impressed by what the World number one was able to produce and he was particularly interested in the improved elements of his game.

What did Greg Rusedski find ‘frightening’ about Jannik Sinner’s game at the Six Kings Slam?

At the Six Kings Slam, Jannik Sinner continued where he left off at the Shanghai Masters. He defeated Djokovic for the second time in a week, before claiming his first victory over Alcaraz in 2024.

Sinner has shown how devastating he can be from the baseline and he has turned his serve into a consistent weapon. But Rusedski commented on what Sinner has improved in his game, and referenced his net play.

“The most impressive thing for me when I was watching the Six Kings Slam was how much Sinner has improved,” the former British number one told Tennis Channel. “Even from New York. That is a frightening thought.

“The drop shot was something he didn’t have in his arsenal whatsoever, the volleys were average. Those two areas are pretty damn good now and nearly world class. Those guys keep adding dimensions.

“You have to think you have to keep getting better, if you don’t, there is only one direction you are going.”

2024 Six Kings Slam Tournament final
Photo by Mohammed Saad/Anadolu via Getty Images

Why isn’t Jannik Sinner playing at the Paris Masters?

He was due to compete at the Paris Masters, but Sinner made a late withdrawal due to illness. He appeared in a video on the Paris Masters’ X account stating he had to pull out as he is suffering from a virus.

“I came very early to prepare, then felt sick. I have a virus at the moment, which is gonna pass in the next 2 or 3 days. Body-wise I’m not ready to compete,” he said. “I’m very sorry for that.”

He added on his own X account: “This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday.

“It turns out I’ve come down with a virus. I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not ready to compete here in Paris.

“I was really looking forward to this tournament, so it’s disappointing, to say the least. For now, I’m focusing on recovery and getting back to 100%. I’ll be aiming to come back stronger for Turin!”