"These guys are always looking to get better...": Jannik Sinner has 'Champions Mentality' similar to Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal according to Mark Philippoussis

Mark Philippoussis compared Jannik Sinner's mentality to that of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. The former Australian tennis player highlighted the impressive form of the young star after winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open 2024.

Sinner has started the year exceptionally well, boasting a streak of 15 successive tour-level matches, including the title at Melbourne and the Rotterdam Open just two days ago, where he defeated Alex De Minaur (7-5, 6-4).

Read also

“As soon as I got there, I started crying”: Jannik Sinner recalls leaving home at 13 to pursue tennis dream

According to Philippoussis on the Sooshi Mango Saucy Meatballs Podcast, the young Italian stands out from other players due to his champion's mentality, constantly seeking ways to improve his tennis game.

"His team is a great team, and he's got a champion's mentality. After he won, in the locker room, he's going to ask the question, 'how can I get better?'. That's the difference between Nadal and the Djokovic. That's the champion's mentality. These guys are always looking to get better...", the 47-year-old Aussie said.

Read also

ATP RANKING Update: Jannik SINNER, Alex DE MINAUR rise to career highs, Novak DJOKOVIC remains World Number One

On the other hand, the 2-times Grand Slam finalist highlighted the human qualities of Jannik Sinner. The young Italian has been praised several times by his peers for his humility and getting along well with everyone on the Tour:

"You know the best thing, he's such a good kid [Sinner]. I jumped on it too [the bandwagon]. He was my pick, by the way, at the start of the tournament. He was my pick. He's a great kid. You see him walking by, he looks at you, says hello, gives respect to anybody", Philippoussis said