Serena Williams’ former coach claims Jannik Sinner has completely changed tennis as a sport now

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2024 marked the season where Jannik SInner made some significant strides in his career.

Over the past 12 months, the Italian won two Grand Slams, successive Davis Cup titles and became the World number one.

The 23-year-old also claimed two big wins over Novak Djokovic this year and though he did not defeat Carlos Alcaraz, he was the more consistent player across the season.

Jannik Sinner’s style of play has left fans in awe and players struggling to cope against him, as he suffered just seven defeats in 2024.

What did Serena Williams’ former coach say about Jannik Sinner’s game?

Sinner equalled Roger Federer in 2005 by becoming the second player to go through an entire season without losing in straight sets.

The ATP’s top-ranked player capped off a special season by winning the ATP Finals and helping Italy defend the Davis Cup.

Sinner has overwhelmed opponents with his power and ability to take the ball early, which gives his opponents less time to stabilise themselves in rallies and take control.

This is something that has impressed Rick Macci, Serena Williams’ former coach, who took to X to praise Sinner’s style and technique with one shot in particular.

“Sinner has changed the game with raw firepower with modifications on the forehand,” the 69-year-old posted.

“He has a flare of inverting of the racquet face extreme and now the flip and pull when it hits the slot is more explosive, and he hits the ball so early he delivers the daily double.”

How has Jannik Sinner changed his game?

One of the biggest reasons for Sinner ascending to the top of men’s tennis is improving his serve.

In 2024 Sinner made over 60% of his first serves and saved 74% of break points faced and he won 91% of his service games.

Former World number four Greg Rusedski previously told ATPTour.com how Sinner was able to work his team and transform his serve. “He retooled the serve with Darren [Cahill] and that’s something very, very difficult to do,” Rusedski said.

“I’ve been super impressed; the whole team has done a fantastic job with him. And it all started with making a change to the serve, the body, transitioning, adding slice and adding things.

“They’re still not 100 per cent natural, but they’re only going to get better with time because he’s one of those guys who is going to put in the work.”