World no. 1 Jannik Sinner arrived early in Turin ahead of the ATP Finals, seeking another notable title in front of the home fans. Jannik withdrew from the Paris Masters due to a virus, heading to Monte Carlo and finalizing preparations for the premium ATP event.
Radek Stepanek works with Jannik Sinner’s on his volleys
The two-time Major winner worked with his coach, Darren Cahill, and the former world no. 8, Radek Stepanek. The Czech joined Sinner in Monte Carlo for a training session, working with the world’s best player on his volleys ahead of the final two events of the season. Seeking constant improvements in his game, Jannik learned from one of the last old-school serve & volley players, eager to add more elements to his already impressive arsenal and trouble his opponents even more.
Radek Stepanek, Monte Carlo 2024© Stream screenshot
Sinner’s rise to the ATP throne
The Italian has been a player to beat since the closing stages of 2023. He scored two wins over Novak Djokovic and secured Italy’s first Davis Cup title since 1976! Finishing the season ranked 4th, Sinner gathered a boost ahead of this year’s Australian Open, defeating seven rivals and becoming a Major winner at 22. Jannik ousted Novak Djokovic after an impressive performance in the semi-final and performed an incredible comeback versus Daniil Medvedev in the final from two sets to love down. The Italian returned to Europe and conquered Rotterdam, extending his streak and embracing a 16-0 start to the season before Carlos Alcaraz halted him in the Indian Wells semi-final. Sinner fixed that in Miami, dominating from the quarter-final stage and adding the second Masters 1000 title to his tally. The ATP Race leader fell to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo and withdrew ahead of the Madrid Masters quarter-final due to hop issues. He recovered for Roland Garros and reached the semi-final, earning enough points and dethroning Novak Djokovic, becoming the 29th world no. 1 in ATP history.
Jannik Sinner & Radek Stepanek, Monte Carlo 2024© Stream screenshot
Jannik dominates the second part of the season and keeps everyone behind
Jannik led two times against Carlos Alcaraz in the Roland Garros semi-final before falling in five sets, turning his focus to the grass swing. He conquered his first tournament as world no. 1 in Halle and reached the Wimbledon quarter-final, struggling physically against Daniil Medvedev and falling in five sets. Sinner skipped the Olympic Games in Paris and recovered during the North American swing. The Italian lifted the trophy at the Cincinnati Masters and claimed his second Major crown with a victory over Taylor Fritz. The year-end no. 1 honor was in his hands, but Jannik did not stop there. He lost an epic Beijing final to Alcaraz before beating Djokovic in the Shanghai final, collecting the third Masters 1000 trophy of the season before missing the Paris Masters due to a virus. Sinner worked on his game in Monte Carlo and will chase the ATP Finals crown in front of the home fans in Turin next week.
Jannik Sinner, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
👏🇮🇹 Before he recently arrived in Turin, Jannik Sinner had been working with former player Radek Stepanek, in Monte Carlo, specifically looking to improve his volleys
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— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) November 4, 2024
