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Jannik Sinner has received plaudits from Tennis legend Rafael Nadal for keeping himself composed despite being hit by the distractions stemming from his doping case. Nadal labelled Sinner's ability to keep laser-sharp focus on his game as "amazing".
Rafael Nadal On Jannik Sinner
Nadal, who retired in November after Spain lost in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup Finals, spoke on former pro Andy Roddick's podcast, served with Andy Roddick, in a wide-ranging interview that covered everything from his decision to retire to his rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
Sinner, the world number one, was mired in a lengthy saga over two positive clostebol tests last year before agreeing to a three-month suspension in a compromise with WADA, which will extend until the Italian Open in May.
“We showed the world that we can be the biggest rivals but at the same time, we can be colleagues, we can have a good personal relationship,” Nadal said. “I think that shows a positive example to the next generations, I am proud of that.
“I think that helps this new generation to understand you don’t need to hate your opponents, you can respect, you can appreciate the opponent, because in the end they are an important part of your life, so you don’t need to hate opponents to give your best.”
Roddick compared Nadal's on- and off-court demeanour to that of the new generation of top tennis players, which includes Nadal's Spain teammate Carlos Alcaraz and five-time major winner Iga Swiatek.
“Carlos is a great kid,” Nadal, who played doubles with the 21-year-old at the Olympics last year, said. “Great guy with a very good family behind him, with positive values. Humble. They’re good people. That’s why I think Carlos is how he is. Because in the end, the values you receive at home, the way you’re educated is the way that you show up. I see the same with Iga.
“Jannik is another good guy. Not much of a show off. He’s focused on what he’s doing. Of course, he went through a very tough process the last year. It’s amazing the way he was able to keep being focused on what he’s doing.
“It’s a new generation of great tennis players. I think they’re going to keep helping this beautiful sport to grow and to engage fans.”
