Brad Gilbert pinpoints the game-changer for Jannik Sinner vs. Carlos Alcaraz

Gilbert, who used to coach Coco Gauff, spoke highly of Sinner during an appearance on The Big T Podcast.

Speaking on the podcast, where he predicted Sinner would win Indian Wells, Gilbert said: “I feel like what he’s doing really well so far this tournament is after he’s hitting his spot on the first serve, he’s instantly taking that lead to the open court,” said Gilbert.

“Whether that’s on the forehand or on the backhand, a little Agassi like, a little Djokovic like, where it’s hit it’s spot, you know you’re going to be on your bicycle.

“And I also feel like he’s venturing forward a little more, Darren’s [Cahill] the only coach here this week and I think surely they’ve been working on the approach and in, and thinking about cutting off the court a little more to add a little more variety to his game”.

“Because I was just out on the court watching tonight and the variety that Alcaraz has, and the variation that he has of changing speeds on his shots is second to none, that’s what makes him so dangerous. And I do feel like sometimes when I watch Sinner, I don’t know if you think about this, that Sinner gets locked in sometimes on one speed”.

“And in baseball, even if you have an amazing fast ball and that’s all you got, they will get onto it, so you can get a little grooved to Sinner and the unpredictability of Alcaraz is something to see.”

While Alcaraz has only dropped two sets this year and has reached yet another final in Indian Wells after defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the semifinals.

Brad Gilbert’s Advice for Zverev Ahead of Sinner Clash

Sinner is aiming to book his first final of the season when he faces Alexander Zverev in the Indian Wells semifinals, a matchup that could set the tone for the rest of his campaign.

The Italian holds a 6-4 edge in their head-to-head record and has won the last five encounters between them. Even though Zverev is still a top player, Sinner has clearly been better in their recent matches.

Speaking on Zverev’s chances, Gilbert said belief will be crucial and offered specific advice on how he should approach his serve and forehand if he wants to stand a chance against Sinner.

“They’re going to have to serve unbelievably well and win a lot of free points…For Zverev, it comes down to one word I think, belief,” said Gilbert. “He’s talked about that he has no mojo and confidence playing Sinner and if you believe that you got no shot.

“But, I do think in hot conditions and if you are coaching him you say go aggressive on your first, maybe go aggressive on your second and the thing is you can’t be predictable with the forehand cross, you got to be a little bit more aggressive and use some one-two’s. Albeit I’m going Sinner and he’s running downhill, I think that’s a break a set.”

The match will take place this Saturday as both players look to secure their spot in the final against either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev.