Jannik Sinner’s victory at the 2024 US Open, where he defeated Taylor Fritz in straight sets (6-3, 6-4, 7-5), has garnered widespread acclaim.
Among those praising Sinner is Toni Nadal, Rafael Nadal’s uncle and former coach. Writing for El Pais, Toni described Sinner as “unstoppable” and difficult to beat from the back of the court.
Toni emphasized Sinner’s ability to maintain consistency while delivering powerful shots with minimal unforced errors. He remarked on Taylor Fritz’s strategy in the final, criticizing the American’s decision to play fast rallies and attempt winners from the baseline. According to Toni, Fritz’s approach was flawed, as trying to make Sinner miss was “practically impossible.”
Discussing the growing rivalry between Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, Toni admitted that while he personally enjoys Alcaraz’s playing style more, Sinner’s mental improvement will pose serious challenges for the Spaniard.
He believes Sinner’s mental fortitude, especially following a recent doping controversy, makes him an even more formidable opponent.
Toni also acknowledged Sinner’s ability to navigate the doping scandal, which could have derailed his career. By making significant changes to his team, Sinner has shown resilience, demonstrating his capacity to face complex challenges head-on.