The president of the Italian Tennis Federation recently compared rising star Jannik Sinner to tennis legend Venus Williams, a remark that sheds light on the young Italian’s extraordinary growth in the sport.
Sinner, now 23, has quickly ascended to the top of men’s tennis, securing two Grand Slam titles and clinching the World No. 1 ranking in 2024. While his immense talent has always been evident, particularly as a junior, there were early signs that he had areas of his game to refine. Much like many young athletes, his potential had yet to be fully realized, but with time, Sinner’s game has matured into a formidable force.
Angelo Binaghi, the head of the Italian Tennis Federation and a former professional player, first encountered Sinner when the Italian was still a teenager. This meeting occurred shortly after Sinner triumphed at the Next Gen ATP Finals five years ago. Reflecting on that encounter, Binaghi shared his thoughts with Ubitennis, recalling how the young Italian reminded him of Venus Williams during her early years on tour.
“We met in the locker room at the 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals,” Binaghi explained. “He had just become the first Italian to win this prestigious event, and I wanted to congratulate him on the victory.”
Binaghi continued by praising Sinner’s demeanor and on-court intelligence. He noted that while the Italian showed remarkable technical skill, there were still areas where he needed physical development.
“His manners and simplicity really stood out,” Binaghi recalled. “Technically, he was already at a very high level, but there were still gaps to fill, particularly in his physical game. He was a bit underdeveloped at the time. His movement reminded me a lot of Venus Williams—an incredible talent but facing challenges with court coverage.”
Fast forward to today, and Sinner has transformed. As Binaghi highlighted, Sinner’s movement has dramatically improved, now described as “rocket-like,” and his serve, along with his net play, has become much sharper. This evolution mirrors the journey of Venus Williams, who also overcame early struggles to become one of the sport’s most formidable athletes.
Sinner’s impressive rise continued in 2024, where he claimed eight titles—four more than any other player—and amassed a staggering 73 wins from 79 singles matches, equating to a remarkable 92.4% win rate. As of now, he has spent 28 weeks at No. 1, a position he looks set to dominate for even longer as the year unfolds.
While much of the spotlight has often been on his fellow youngster, Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner has quietly but steadily proven his worth. Binaghi, ever the supporter of his compatriot, recalls the period when Alcaraz was making waves, and the media and fans alike were infatuated with the Spaniard’s rise.
Binaghi, however, always had unwavering confidence in Sinner’s potential, saying, “During that time, Alcaraz was everywhere, and people couldn’t stop talking about him—his speed, his toughness, his energy. But I always stood by my belief in Sinner. I told them, ‘Give him time, and you’ll see what he’s made of. Sinner for life.’”
He continued, defending Sinner against harsh criticism when the Italian decided to skip the Davis Cup: “People said all kinds of things about him, but I defended him, saying, ‘Let him train in peace, the results will come.’ And they certainly have.”
Describing Sinner as not just a talented athlete but also a humble and relatable person, Binaghi added, “He’s a genuinely good guy. His likability and positive attitude make him a role model not only for sports but for young people everywhere. There’s a reason the public has taken to him so warmly.”
As Sinner’s career continues to soar, it’s clear that the tennis world is witnessing the rise of a player with immense potential—one who combines skill, work ethic, and charisma. His future in the sport looks nothing short of bright.