'Rafael Nadal always trains like it's a Major final,' Jannik Sinner said

The Italian Jannik Sinner has been a teenager to watch in the last two years, gaining over 500 positions on the ATP ranking list to crack the top-40!

Jannik reached his first Major quarter-final last October at Roland Garros, losing to Rafael Nadal despite a solid effort. Sinner and Nadal stayed close, and they traveled to Adelaide to embrace a two-week quarantine, sharing the practice court and preparing for the Australian Open. Praising Rafa, Jannik said that he learned a lot from the 20-time Major champion during those two weeks, describing their intense training sessions.

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"Spending time with Rafa in Adelaide was fantastic, I learned a lot on every level. What was great for me to see about Rafa, as I see from other champions, is the impressive way in which he thinks and approaches every practice and every ball. He is a super friendly and humble person, and something I learned from him was the intensity he puts into every practice session.

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Every time he steps on the court, it's like he is playing a Major final. I got a lot out of spending two weeks training with him, and I feel blessed and honored that he chose me to prepare for such an important event like the Australian Open. I also liked his team; they are all friendly and nice people," Jannik Sinner said.