Adriano Panatta, the former French Open champion, has been vocal about the state of tennis. With an illustrious career that included victories over tennis greats like Bjorn Borg, and a career-high ranking of No. 4 in 1976, Panatta has earned the right to share his opinions. Perhaps the most intriguing of his views is his prediction that Novak Djokovic will fear a certain player in 2024.
This player, according to Panatta, is his fellow Italian, Jannik Sinner. Panatta initially criticized Sinner for prioritizing individual tournaments over team events like the Davis Cup. However, Sinner’s pivotal role in Italy’s Davis Cup victory, which included a win over Djokovic, has caused Panatta to change his tune.
Panatta’s Claim: Djokovic Fears Sinner
Despite Sinner’s recent success against Djokovic, it’s a stretch to say that Djokovic fears him. After all, Djokovic still leads the all-time head-to-head between the two players 4-2, and boasts 24 Grand Slam titles compared to Sinner’s zero.
Panatta’s recent statements to Corriere dello Sport seem to be driven more by a desire for attention, rather than a genuine belief in Djokovic’s fear of Sinner. It’s clear that Panatta enjoys being in the spotlight.
Jessica Roberts serves up the latest in the world of tennis. With a love for the racket sport, she reports on tennis matches, player rankings, and Grand Slam events, ensuring readers stay informed about the tennis world.
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