“Difficult for anyone to keep up with” - Rafael Nadal's uncle explains what Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic have in common

Rafael Nadal's uncle and former coach Toni Nadal has highlighted a few similarities between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Both players have faced each other twice at the Majors this year.

While Sinner is currently in action at the ATP Finals, Djokovic withdrew from the event due to fitness concerns. The Italian started his campaign with a flawless win against Felix Auger-Aliassime, 6-3, 6-3.

Toni Nadal, who's been assisting Aliassime since a while, felt that Sinner and Djokovic have similar ball control on the court. He also emphasized on their effortless movement and high-intensity game on tour.

"I think Djokovic is a bit more complete. Sinner has more speed in his shots, Nole a bit more touch. They both have in common the fact that they always impose a high pace and have exceptional ball control, with extremely high-level movement. Jannik plays with a very defined pattern: he imposes a very fast pace from the start, which is difficult for anyone to keep up with," Toni Nadal said

Sinner has defeated Djokovic twice at the Majors this year. He not only eliminated the Serb in Paris, but also outsmarted him at Wimbledon.

Toni Nadal also added that Sinner and Alacraz were undoubtedly the favorites to win in Turin. He felt that Sinner have an edge over his rival on the faster hard courts.

"Obviously, the big favorites are still Alcaraz and Sinner. Jannik has played at a very high level in recent tournaments, and I think he can start in Turin a bit ahead of Carlos, who honestly seems a little less comfortable on this fast surface. It will certainly be a great match, not to be missed."

"Jannik Sinner controls the ball batter with a bit of bend in his legs" - Toni Nadal decodes how the Italian gains and edge

Jannik Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals 2025 - Day 2 - Source: Getty

Two Italian players are a part of the ATP Finals this year. While Jannik Sinner qualified on merit after winning two Majors, Musetti secured his spot thanks to Novak Djokovic's wihdrawal from the event.

Toni Nadal scrutinized the technical difference between the two players and explained how Sinner gains an edge.

"Musetti has very good shots, an aggressive game, and when he's in good shape he's complete. But his tennis—a one-handed backhand and a forehand, both of great quality—is sometimes a bit erratic. If you watch Jannik Sinner, he always plays with a lot of bend in his legs: when you have a lot of bend, you controlled the ball better."

He also praised Musetti for his resilience and felt that the Italian could still raise his level on tour.

"Musetti, on the other hand, is more relaxed, and if he doesn't hit the ball perfectly, it tends to slip away. Plus, his one-handed backhand and high trajectories make control more difficult. But we're talking about a player who has beaten Alcaraz and played important matches with everyone: the potential is there, it's also a question of details and confidence."

While Sinner began his campaign with a win, Musetti succumbed to a hard fought loss against Taylor Fritz in the first group-stage round. He will take on Alex De Minaur next and then lock horns with Jannik Sinner on Friday (November 14).