"You could see Jannik Sinner would have a great career" - Novak Djokovic explains the reason he likes the Italian

Novak Djokovic recently spoke highly of Jannik Sinner. The Serb recalled noticing Sinner when he was a teenager and revealed what he admires about the World No. 1.

Djokovic was trained by Jannik Sinner’s former coach, Riccardo Piatti, during his early years as a professional (2005-2006). Over the years, the Serb has trained at Piatti Tennis Center in Italy, despite ending their partnership. He’s previously spoken about hitting with a 14-year-old Sinner during his training sessions at the academy.

In his recent interview with Sportweek, Novak Djokovic indicated that Jannik Sinner was a standout junior. He also hinted that there was a shared belief within the tennis community about the Italian’s potential success.

"I remember Sinner when he was 14/15 years old and, even then, people spoke well of him," the Serb said. "You could see that he would have a great career."

Sinner has had a steady rise to the top, cracking the top 10 for the first time in 2021, making his top 5 debut at the tail end of 2023, and becoming the World No. 1 in June this year.

The Italian also scripted a historic 2024 campaign, winning a staggering eight titles, including his first two Grand Slams in Melbourne and New York and a maiden ATP Finals trophy. He concluded his run with a successful Davis Cup title defense for Italy.

"I'm not surprised to see him at this level today," he said.

Despite his impressive results, Jannik Sinner has maintained that he desires to keep improving and learning. Djokovic was appreciative of the World No. 1's approach.

"I like Jannik because he always wants to improve," The 24-time Grand Slam champion added.

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Novak Djokovic: "Jannik Sinner's doing well even without my advice"

The Serb (L) pictured with Jannik Sinner at the 2024 Shanghai Masters - Image Source: Getty

When asked whether he had any advice for his fellow Grand Slam champion, Novak Djokovic said:

"It seems to me that he is doing well even without my advice!" he said in the aforementioned interview.

The Serb also highlighted that, in contrast to himself, Sinner is just starting out.

"Anyway, it is one thing to win the first two Slams and become No. 1, another to stay at this level for so many years," he said, before adding, "But it seems to me that Jannik has understood what he needs."

When it comes to Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner’s rivalry, the Serb started with a 3-0 lead, with the latter securing his first-ever win during the round-robin stage at the 2023 ATP Finals. Just days later, he was outclassed by the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the final of the same tournament.

Since then, though, Sinner has drawn level in their rivalry, winning their last three matches—at the 2023 Davis Cup semifinals, the 2024 Australian Open semifinals, and the Shanghai Masters final.