After his historic triumph at Wimbledon, the young Italian talent Jannik Sinner received important words from one of the all-time greats: Novak Djokovic. In a recent interview, the Serbian champion praised Sinner’s current level, calling him “one of the strongest tennis players of the moment,” but also emphasized that “to become a legend, it will still take commitment, consistency, and a hunger for victory.”
Djokovic explained: “Jannik has made great strides. He’s a complete player, with a great mentality and a very modern game. But to join the club of legends, like Federer, Nadal, or even myself, there’s still a long way to go. Winning a Slam isn’t enough; you have to prove it over time.”
These words, though honest, sparked a wave of reactions. Among the first to respond was Darren Cahill, Sinner’s coach, who forcefully defended his pupil’s progress: “Jannik is working hard every day. He trains with incredible intensity, pushing his body and mind to the limit. It’s not just about talent, but absolute dedication. He’s still young, but he already has the right mindset to reach the top.”
Cahill then added: “Sinner doesn’t want to be a copy of anyone. He has great respect for Roger, Rafa, and Novak, and he draws inspiration from them. But he wants to write his own story. And seeing someone like Djokovic publicly acknowledge this is a wonderful sign.”
His coach’s words, combined with the recognition from an icon like Djokovic, deeply moved Sinner. According to sources close to the team, the Italian tennis player broke down in tears during a private session, touched by the fact that, after years of quiet work and sacrifice, he was finally getting the recognition he deserved.
The moment had a powerful emotional impact on Italian and international fans. On social media, many praised Djokovic’s humility and Sinner’s passion, representing a new generation ready to follow in the footsteps of the greats of the past.