Jannik Sinner is preparing for the ATP Finals title defense. World no. 1 spoke ahead of the tournament and repeated his admiration of Rafael Nadal. His recent reflection on their bond reveals how deep that respect runs.
The four-time Major winner described the legend as "humanly incredible" – a fitting tribute to the champion who unknowingly helped shape the early stages of his journey toward tennis greatness.
Their bond started in January 2021, when a teenager got a chance to embrace practice sessions with Rafa in Adelaide. The pair shared the court daily, providing a master and student dynamic that offered Jannik a priceless knowledge and experience.
Jannik Sinner playing football with Rafael Nadal’s 1.5-year-old son is the most adorable thing you’ll see today pic.twitter.com/decn4zuI6b
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) March 6, 2024
Nadal's relentless focus, humility and attention to detail left a lasting impression on the rising Italian star. Those Adelaide sessions helped Sinner realize what it truly takes to live like a champion.
Roger Federer was his idol, but Rafa learned him how to train hard while adding discipline and respect into every aspect of his young career. The results came quickly!
The young gun conquered the title in Melbourne in February and pushed world no. 12 Denis Shapovalov to the limits at the Australian Open. During his Melbourne run, Rafa praised Jannik and predicted bright future.
The Italian wrapped up the year with 49 victories and in the top-10. In February 2022, he added Simone Vagnozzi to his team, with Darren Cahill joining in July, and the rest is history.
Rafael Nadal & Jannik Sinner, Rome 2021© Stream screenshot
Rafa and Jannik embraced three duels on the ATP Tour in 2020 and 2021, all on clay. The Spaniard win them at Roland Garros and Rome, but only after having to work hard against the rising champion.
Almost five years after their Adelaide practice sessions, Sinner is a four-time Major winner and the owner of five Masters 1000 shields. The Italian has spent 66 weeks on the ATP throne, standing as the most consistent player in the previous two seasons.
After achieving so much, he still looks back on those Adelaide days as a turning point – when a young prodigy learned from a "humanly incredible" model of excellence who shared his vast knowledge and experience with him.
After that incredible experience, Jannik will for sure be ready to do the same with some upcoming champion in a decade or a decade and a half, with tennis legacy circulating between current and future champions.
