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Ex-ATP pro gives blunt verdict on Jannik Sinner’s ‘boring’ tennis by citing Novak Djokovic’s example
Xinhua

World No.1 Jannik Sinner has been accused by many of being ‘boring’ on the court. But former ATP professional, Arnaud Clement , finds his matches ‘fabulous’ as he compared the Italian’s tennis to that of Novak Djokovic .

Sinner, who is known for having a calm and composed demeanor on and off the court, recently lifted the 2025 Australian Open title by cruising past World No.2 Alexander Zverev in straight sets, becoming a three-time Grand Slam champion. Many notable names from the tennis community have called Sinner’s playstyle boring, but Clement claimed Sinner plays like Djokovic, whose playing style too was considered boring.

We could say that for a long time about Novak Djokovic and some still say it: it may be boring, but practiced at that level…I may have a different way of looking at it from the general public, but I find it fabulous.

Arnaud Clement told Eurosport

The Men’s events in the tournament invited some criticism as matches were called dull and devoid of excitement. Former ATP player from America, Sam Querrey , claimed the matches would be forgotten in ‘six months’ are none of them were memorable ones, including Djokovic’s quarterfinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz.

After the quarterfinals, Djokovic, who was chasing his 11th Australian Open, was forced to withdraw from his semifinal match against Zverev just after the first set. The 24-time Grand Slam champion injured his hamstring and could miss a couple of months if reports are to be believed.

Paolo Bertolucci says Jannik Sinner should try for Grand Slam

Jannik Sinner has now won two of the four Grand Slam titles and is yet to lift the trophies at the French Open and Wimbledon. One of the toughest feats in tennis is to accomplish the Calendar Grand Slam and former player from Italy Paolo Bertolucci thinks Sinner should aim for it, claiming that apart from Carlos Alcaraz, no other player can challenge him in the four Majors.

Now there is no longer a [Rafael] Nadal, there are good players like Alcaraz and [Alexander] Zverev, but the others can’t think of challenging Sinner. Basically, apart from Alcaraz, I don’t see a player who can beat him on clay. Then on grass, he has already shown that he is very competitive, he has already won in New York.

Paolo Bertolucci said on Radio Anch’io Sport on Rai Radio 1

The 2024 US Open champion is yet to reach the final of the French Open and Wimbledon. Last year, he was defeated in the semifinal at Roland Garros and in the quarterfinal at SW19.

Sinner decided to rest after the Australian Open, choosing not to defend the Rotterdam Open. Alcaraz, who will be making his debut in the event, will be the first seed in Sinner’s absence.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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