'Jannik Sinner plays like Novak Djokovic, only with more aggression,' said Berrettini

After a tough 2020 season and injuries, world no. 10 Matteo Berrettini is back on a winning way in 2021, winning 12 out of 15 matches and lifting the Serbia Open trophy.

Berrettini leads the new wave of Italian tennis that has never been this strong, with an experienced Fabio Fognini and the rising star Jannik Sinner. Speaking about his compatriot, Berrettini praised Sinner and compared him to Novak Djokovic, only with more aggressive strokes.

Jannik has been one of the youngsters to watch in the past three years, racing past over 500 rivals and cracking the top-20 before the 20th birthday. A teenager has already won two ATP titles and played in a Major quarter-final at Roland Garros last year.

"My tennis is more based on serve and variations. I use the slice more, the short ball, while Jannik Sinner is more of a machine. Jannik plays a bit like Novak Djokovic, but he is more aggressive than Nole; he tries to play more attacking tennis. Jannik's best shot is undoubtedly the backhand. He moves very well and tries to be very aggressive even when others are pushing.

Jannik and I are two different players, but we both have aggression as our main characteristic. And in training? Last time we did an even set. The first day I won, the day after him. So we ended in a draw," Matteo Berrettini said.