Jannik Sinner had the courage to change things when he could have remained in his comfort zone: Flavia Pennetta

Flavia Pennetta has appreciated Jannik Sinner for making the necessary changes to his team and stepping out of his comfort zone.

In a recent interview with Fanpage.it, Pennetta reflected on her personal life and having three kids with Italian tennis player Fabio Fognini. She also discussed the recent criticisms facing Matteo Berettini, largely due to his personal life's impact on his game. In addition to that, she touched upon Jannik Sinner and Lorenzo Musetti's game as well.

Pennetta, who retired in 2015 following her win at the US Open, hailed fellow countryman Jannik Sinner for being focused on tennis and having the courage to change things around him when he could have just as easily chosen not to.

"Sinner is the more 'focused' one. I appreciate him a lot because he had the courage to change certain things when he could have remained in his comfort zone, without changing anything. Instead, he went looking for something new and that's a great thing. I see it there, there's not much to say," Pennetta said.

Among other things, Pennetta was referring to Sinner splitting with longtime coach Riccardo Piatti in March last year. Following Piatti's exit, Sinner partnered with former World No. 161 Simone Vagnozzi as his coach and has since gone from strength to strength.

Jannik Sinner set to play next at the Miami Open

Jannik Sinner at the BNP Paribas Open - Day 13

Jannik Sinner will be in action next at the Miami Open in Florida, the season's second ATP Masters 1000 event.

Sinner is gunning for his first Masters title. His best result at a Masters 1000 tournament came at the Miami Open in 2021 when he reached the final but lost to Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets 7-6, 6-4.

During his quarterfinal match against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo at last year's Miami Open, Sinner retired after playing just five games due to a right-foot injury. He ended his season in November last year.

Coming into 2023, Sinner faced a hip injury right before the Australian Open but has since worked his way around it. Although he lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round, he gave the Greek a tough time. Tsitsipas eventually defeated Sinner 6-4, 6-4, 3-6, 4-6, 6-3 on his way to the final.

Most recently, Sinner made it to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open last week but was outclassed by eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6(4), 6-3. After the loss, Sinner took to social media to congratulate Alcaraz, stating that it simply wasn't his day and that he would be moving on to Miami for his next tournament.

"Wasn’t to be yesterday, strive to be better, moving on to Miami, Congrats @carlosalcaraz" Sinner tweeted

Sinner is seeded tenth at the Miami Open and is due to play his second-round match on Friday, March 24, against either Laslo Djere or a qualifier/lucky loser.