Jannik Sinner has been full of praise for Alex De Minaur, despite easing past him in the final of the Rotterdam Open yesterday.
It marked yet another title for the incredible Italian, who only claimed his first-ever Grand Slam last month in Melbourne.
He truly is in the form of his life, and it was unfortunate that despite a fine run to the final himself, the Australian was met with a brick wall of an opponent.
But what did Sinner have to say about De Minaur following their match? Let’s take a closer look…
What Jannik Sinner said about Alex De Minaur
Although their Rotterdam meeting was the seventh straight victory for the 22-year-old star, and a relatively comfortable one at that, Sinner remained effusive in his praise for his opponent following his title triumph.
That is, despite one hilarious comment the Australian made immediately after the defeat.
In fact, speaking to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, he would reveal exactly what makes the 25-year-old such a revered player, and just how far he thinks he will go.
He noted: ‘Alex is a great player and a real talent. One of my favourite people on the circuit. I’m glad he’s getting better and that he’s reached the best ranking.
‘And at the awards ceremony I said it: given the effort I made to beat him, I prefer when we play doubles together. Better to have him on my side of the field…’.
This is a combination many would love to see again, and likely a complimentary one that would blend a couple of energetic young stars on the doubles court. One to be rekindled in the future perhaps.
Jannik Sinner is unstoppable in 2024
2024 has been mesmeric for Sinner thus far, who seems simply unstoppable every time he takes to a tennis court.
The manner in which he cruised to the Australian Open final was indicative of this, not losing a single set until the semi-final, where he dumped out the reigning champion Novak Djokovic in four.
Then, facing Daniil Medvedev in the final, Sinner would showcase his immeasurable mental toughness, coming from two sets down to win in five. Another miracle in Melbourne.
However, it would be easy for the youngster to have gotten ahead of himself following that huge major success and not follow it up with the same level of performance in the tournaments that followed.
Well, his showing in Rotterdam is indicative of someone with steely mental toughness, and a sparkling bright future ahead.
Should he maintain this form, 2024 could be a revolutionary year for the new world number three.
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