Jannik Sinner is ‘Novak Djokovic 2.0’ with ‘same qualities but playing faster’, says Patrick Mouratoglou

Jannik Sinner had a season to remember as he won two Grand Slam titles, the Nitto ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup. Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has praised the Italian world No. 1, saying he is like “Novak Djokovic 2.0” and “what makes Sinner very special is his ability to play at an incredibly high pace without missing”. Sinner finished the year with a 73-6 win-loss record.

Patrick Mouratoglou has described Jannik Sinner as “Novak Djokovic 2.0”, saying he has the “same qualities” as the 24-time Grand Slam champion but is “playing faster”.

Sinner has enjoyed a sensational 2024, winning two Grand Slam titles, the Nitto ATP Finals, and three Masters titles.

He also became world No. 1 and capped off the campaign by leading Italy to victory at the Davis Cup.

Davis Cup

Italy defend Davis Cup title as Sinner caps off superb season with clinching win

20 hours ago

“I think it makes sense to call him Djokovic 2.0 because [his] movement, counterpunching [is] unbelievable,” Serena Williams’ former coach Mouratoglou, who is currently coaching Naomi Osaka, told Tennis Majors.

“Same qualities as Novak and I think he added 2.0 because he is playing faster by taking the balls earlier. He is moving up all the time.”

Sinner finished the year almost 4,000 points clear of world No. 2 Alexander Zverev in the rankings.

He is the first player ever to win two Grand Slams, the Nitto ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup in the same season.

“I think what makes Sinner very special is his ability to play at an incredibly high pace without missing,” added Mouratoglou.

“I think he is one of the guys who plays the fastest because of the way he hits the ball but also because of his movement. He is moving forward all the time. That makes it extremely difficult to play against him. Plus, his movement is unbelievable.

“Basically when you attack him, he counter punches. He has the qualities of Novak in terms of counter-punching and I think he plays at a higher pace than Novak, taking the balls earlier, moving forward more.

“When you are very aggressive taking the balls early, giving no time to your opponent and making an extremely limited number of unforced errors, how do you play against a guy like that?

A look at some of Nadal’s greatest moments as tennis great bows out

Video credit: Eurosport

“He improved his serve lately, which is very important. If you look at the matches, when there are key moments, he hits aces, and his return is amazing.

“You have to hurt him, to be able to play at an incredibly high pace too, because he is okay with any type of ball. You can play with spin, top spin, you can play with slice, play fast, you can play slow, he is never in trouble.

“Every time he is going to be the one to attack you.

“Before most of his aggressive shots were coming from the forehand and now he is able to be as aggressive with the backhand and also change direction really easily. Whatever ball you hit, you’re in danger. All the time.”