How long can a tennis player’s career endure? Nowadays, unlike two decades ago, a player can continue competing at the age of 40 and even beyond, as exemplified by Roger Federer and the Williams sisters, Venus and Serena. And let’s not forget about Djokovic, who is achieving remarkable feats at almost 37 years old.
In recent years, teams have made significant progress, thanks in part to advancements in science and technology. A tennis player ranked in the Top-10, with the support of a dietician, physiotherapist, mental coach, and more, can prolong their career by a decade compared to their counterparts from 20 years ago. However, the crucial factor remains motivation. One must possess the desire and determination to continue competing.
Jannik Sinner recently granted an exclusive interview to L’Équipe while eagerly awaiting his return to the court following his impressive victory at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the 2024 season. The Italian tennis player addressed a series of intriguing questions, including one in particular: Where does he see himself in 10 years?
“I hope that when I look back on my journey, I can cherish every moment. That’s what matters most,” responded Sinner.
Sinner is set to participate in the upcoming Rotterdam tournament, marking another significant milestone in his career: attaining the new number 3 position in the world rankings. At the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam, Sinner will be defending the final he reached last year. He will lead the main draw and, should he meet the expectations and emerge victorious at the end of the week, he would surpass Daniil Medvedev in the rankings. Medvedev will lose the 500 points he earned from his Rotterdam triumph in 2023. Sinner’s first challenge in a rather challenging draw will be against Botic van de Zandschulp, whom he also faced in Australia.
Adriano Panatta discussed the record that Jannik Sinner could set after the Dutch tournament. As mentioned earlier, if he succeeds, Sinner would surpass Daniil Medvedev and become the first Italian player to reach the third position in the ATP rankings in the Open Era. Only Nicola Pietrangeli accomplished this feat, but it was before the current ranking system was introduced.
In Rotterdam, Sinner will face Botic van de Zandschulp in his opening match, the same opponent he defeated in the first round of the thrilling battle he experienced in Melbourne, where he clinched his first career Grand Slam title.
“Rotterdam itself may not be one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world, but it boasts a respectable following and, above all, it can contribute to Jannik’s ascent to ATP No.3, solidifying his climb towards the pinnacle of world tennis,” explained Panatta.
“Being considered the favorite will also present an entirely new psychological situation. Sinner will have to quickly learn to manage the pressure, as everyone will expect more from him, including his opponents, fans, and professionals. It will be a valuable challenge for Sinner, who has previously demonstrated his ability to handle the weight of certain expectations,” added the former Roland Garros champion.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org