Insights from Riccardo Piatti
Riccardo Piatti, a veteran tennis coach, offers unique insights into two of the sport’s top talents—Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Having trained both players during their developmental years, Piatti, now 66, reflects on the remarkable attributes that connect these stars while also highlighting their individual differences.
Coaching Journey
Piatti first encountered Sinner when he was just 12 years old, guiding him through an eight-year relationship that concluded in 2022. He had a brief stint coaching Djokovic from 2005 to 2006, assisting him until he was 19. Although Djokovic sought to engage Piatti full-time, the coach ultimately chose to part ways at that time.
Shared Attributes
In a recent video interview, Piatti recalled how both players demonstrated exceptional athleticism and resilience.
“In tennis, it’s important to think ahead—ten years down the line, these are the players who will shape the sport,”
he commented, suggesting that both players have been integral to tennis’s evolution. Piatti noted that mental fortitude has always been a hallmark of both athletes, emphasizing their intense focus and drive, akin to that of other successful players he has coached, including Maria Sharapova and Milos Raonic.
Memorable Matches
An unforgettable match for Djokovic during the 2005 U.S. Open exemplified his fighting spirit. After enduring a challenging five-set battle against Gaël Monfils in extreme conditions, Piatti was struck by Djokovic’s poise and maturity, which belied his age.
“He was only 17, but his mindset was that of someone in their mid-20s,”
Piatti recalled. Similarly, he observed young Sinner’s tenacity early on, despite his calm demeanor. The young Italian caught Piatti’s attention after losing a national junior match, his determination evident even in defeat.
Development and Style
When Sinner was 13, he sought Piatti’s mentorship, leading to a transfer from his home in northern Italy to Piatti’s academy in Bordighera. There, Piatti compared the young star’s style to that of Djokovic, particularly in their court positioning and shot-making mentality. This choice to focus on improving against seasoned professionals on the ATP Challenger circuit rather than competing in junior events mirrored Piatti’s approach with Djokovic.
Resilience and Competition
Sinner’s resilience was further put to the test at the Villena Challenger in Spain, marking a pivotal moment akin to Djokovic’s breakthrough in 2005. Despite early setbacks against older, experienced players, Sinner showcased his competitive spirit by battling back to secure a victory, proving he could withstand adversity just like Djokovic. Notably, Sinner’s early defeat to a rising Carlos Alcaraz serves as a reminder of their competitive dynamic, as he continues to struggle against Alcaraz, contrasting with his recent successes against Djokovic.
Future Prospects
Throughout the tournament, both athletes have acknowledged their perception of one another, which included Djokovic inviting Sinner for practice sessions as the latter emerged on the tour. While some doubt Sinner’s abilities on grass, Piatti is confident in his adaptability, noting that grass offers a more reliable playing surface compared to clay, where Sinner has faced challenges, though he recently made significant strides there, almost clinching the French Open title against Alcaraz.
Legacy and Mentorship
As of 2022, Sinner has already secured six ATP titles and positioned himself as a top-10 player. While Piatti expressed disappointment over their parting, he has since achieved a sense of closure and is unfazed by Sinner’s quick ascent, culminating in three Grand Slam victories and a rise to world No. 1. Now, Piatti focuses on developing the next generation of tennis talent in his academy, nurturing promising players like Gabriel Debru and Manas Dhamne, all aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Sinner and Djokovic. As the two prepare to showcase their skills on one of tennis’s grandest stages, Piatti’s foundational role in their journeys remains a compelling story of mentorship in sports.
