World number one
Jannik Sinner believes that Britain’s young
tennis star
Jack Draper has what it takes to win a Grand Slam in the future.
The 22-year-old is already regarded as one of the most talented players
currently playing in men’s tennis in the singles category. He has the added
advantage of being a left-handed player.
Draper recently took part in the fourth and final Grand Slam
of the year, where he had a terrific run as he was eventually knocked out of the
competition after losing in the semifinal to the reigning world number one
player in straight sets with a score of 7-5, 7-6, 6-2. Sinner, while talking
after the match, praised his opponent on Friday and backed him to win a major
tournament in the years to come.
“Yeah, I mean, his ball striking and choosing the right
shots in the right time,” he said. “You know, there are some feelings you have
with certain players, and he is one of them, I feel like. Everyone has his own
time and way and path. But I'm quite sure, because I know that he's potentially
winning some big titles in the future, because he's a tough player to play
against, he has a great attitude on the court, he's working hard. These are all
things together which, yeah, which is great to see, no? He's also lefty, it's
something different. My point of view, also today he played very well the first
couple of sets, and then after he dropped physically a little bit. But yeah, I
think we're going to see him much more from now on.”
Sinner is now set to face America’s Taylor Fritz in the
final of the competition on Sunday. The 26-year-old defeated his fellow
countryman Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thrilling semifinal with a score of
4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. It will be the only third meeting between the two players
in professional tennis. In the previous two meetings, both players emerged victorious
on one occasion each.