Former world No 1 makes Jannik Sinner Grand Slam prediction and hails his character

Ana Ivanovic has expressed that she “really enjoys” watching Jannik Sinner play tennis and said it is “beautiful to see” that the Italian “seems like a very nice person.”

The 2008 French Open champion also predicted that there are “many more Grand Slam titles” awaiting Sinner as she praised his game style, mentality and physical strength.

Sinner overcame world No 3 Daniil Medvedev in five sets — after trailing 0-2 in sets — in a high-quality final at the 2024 Australian Open last month to claim his maiden Grand Slam title.

The world No 4 was contesting his first major final, having achieved his previous best Grand Slam result by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

The 22-year-old Italian stunned world No 1 and 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic in four sets in the semi-finals in Melbourne to become the first player to defeat the Serbian in the last four of the event.

Ivanovic lauded Sinner for his Australian Open triumph and also discussed his renowned coach Darren Cahill, who she worked with during her career.

“It was incredible. The way he played the whole tournament. He really showed mental strength and endurance. The way he strikes the ball with such a sweet spot was great to watch,” the Serbian told Ubitennis.

“I always enjoyed working with Darren because he is so knowledgeable about tennis. He was always giving me the best advice in the moments when you are the most under pressure.

“He always found words to calm me down and to point me in the right direction. I was very happy when I saw him in Jannik’s box.”

The former world No 1 addressed how Sinner’ major breakthrough could present challenges in the world of social media and compared it to when she won the 2008 French Open.

“Now it is a different time with much more assent on social media vs in 2008. I think the most important is to follow his path and his training, but I am sure he is doing that. He has a good team and support system behind him, so he can focus on his goals and rhythm,” she said.

Ivanovic, who retired in 2016, was full of praise for Sinner’s game and personality and backed him to add to his first Grand Slam crown.

“He has a really good overall game style. He is mentally and physically super strong. If he just keeps doing what he is doing there are many more Grand Slam titles for him,” the 36-year-old added.

“I really enjoy watching him. He seems like a very nice person, which is very beautiful to see.”