Jannik Sinner has reached back-to-back finals since returning to the ATP Tour.
Sinner was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz in both of those clay court finals, most recently in the five set thriller at Roland Garros.
The Italian actually led the Roland Garros final by two sets to love, with Alcaraz saving three championship points against Sinner.
There was a lot of praise for Sinner and Alcaraz after that final, including from John McEnroe who claimed they could beat Rafael Nadal.
McEnroe has now spoken further about Sinner in particular, revealing a conversation he had with his coach about his three month ban from tennis.
John McEnroe reveals what Darren Cahill was concerned about during Jannik Sinner’s ban
Sinner was banned from tennis for three months after accepting a suspension from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) following two positive tests in March last year.
The world number one has consistently pleaded his innocence of any wrongdoing, but was unable to compete until the Italian Open after his Australian Open victory.
When speaking to Italian news outlet Corriere Della Serra, McEnroe revealed that Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill had concerns about his player losing focus in his time away from the ATP Tour.
However, after watching his two tournaments back in tennis, McEnroe does not believe Sinner has lost any momentum.
“I spoke with Cahill, he told me that the concern was not to make Jannik lose focus between Australia and Rome, during the three months of stop,” said McEnroe. “They succeeded.
“Sinner returned the same as the one we left in Melbourne with the cup in his hand. I don’t see any differences. There was doubt about his stamina but in Paris it wasn’t hot, the climate helped him. Too bad about those three match points.”
John McEnroe explains what is different about Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz
Sinner and Alcaraz are the top two ranked players on the ATP Tour, and have evenly shared the last six Grand Slam titles.
McEnroe was then asked a follow up question about whether Sinner has aura, with the seven-time Grand Slam champion going to explain how he differs to Alcaraz.
“Definitely, in terms of presence,” responded McEnroe. “Personality is not easily built, I say this from experience: you are born with it.
“Alcaraz also has charisma, which is why their matches are so electric. Both have unique elements. Carlos is the most talented young man I have ever seen hold a racket, Jannik is not far behind.
“Alcaraz is brighter, Sinner is more consistent. I am struck by the sound of Jannik’s ball: I have never heard anything like it.”
As he now looks to move on from the disappointment of his Roland Garros final defeat, Sinner will switch his attention to the grass court season.
Sinner is first scheduled to compete at the tournament in Halle, where he is the defending champion, before heading to Wimbledon.
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