Jannik Sinner's coach Simone Vagnozzi has said that the Italian player should not take world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz 'as a point of reference', as Sinner still has to improve.
21-year-old Sinner achieved a major milestone at the recent National Bank Canadian Open in Toronto, winning his first ATP Masters 1000 title. This added to his seven previous titles on the Tour, won across 250 and 500 tournaments.
Sinner soared to victory by defeating Alex de Minaur in straight sets 6-4, 6-1. As a result of this success, he has climbed up two places in the ATP rankings, currently sitting at world No. 6.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Vagnozzi analyzed the path Sinner took to victory in Canada, saying his match against compatriot Matteo Berrettini proved to be crucial.
"The first match with Berrettini was very important for Jannik, in my opinion," he said.
"Making his debut against a tennis player like Matteo, who came from a good tournament at Wimbledon, was complicated. That victory in the derby gave him a lot of confidence to continue well in the tournament. Surely the game with Gael Monfils was also excellent, but the one with Matteo was really complicated."
The coach went on to add that Sinner is improving, particularly on his serve, but that there is still lots more work to be done.
"Obviously in all the games there have been difficult moments; I think the way he was on the pitch made the difference. There is still a lot to work on, I think it is a positive aspect. Jannik has just won a 1000m and we know there is still a lot to improve.
"The service is improving, but he has to learn to vary more and find more solutions. Tactically, sometimes, he can make better decisions. So he still has a lot to work on, but he's so strong that he still manages to always do well," he said.
Vagnozzi went on to add that it would not be wise to use two-time Grand Slam champion Alcaraz, who downed seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic in the final of the grasscourt major last month, as a reference point for the Italian's own game.
"Carlos is two years younger, but he's already at a good point on many things. Jannik still has a lot of work to do. So let's not take Alcaraz as a point of reference; he has to go on the road. He often reaches the bottom in tournaments and, sooner or later, the opportunity arises," he said.
Sinner is now preparing to face Dusan Lajovic in the Round of 32 at the Cincinnati Open in Ohio.
Jannik Sinner: “This is every tennis players dream. To win 1 of these tournaments.. I started to believe a bit more from last year. I felt I have the level to go a bit farther in every event.. I believed I could win 1. The belief in your mindset is very important in this sport”
