Jannik Sinner is once again being compared to Novak Djokovic, but not everyone agrees with that view. Serena Williams’ former coach Patrick Mouratoglou has shared a different opinion. He believes Sinner’s mindset is much closer to Rafael Nadal than Djokovic. His comments have caught attention, especially at a time when Sinner is playing some of the best tennis of his career.Speaking in a video shared on Instagram, Mouratoglou explained why he sees a different side to Sinner. While many focus on his playing style and baseline strength, Mouratoglou pointed at something deeper. He spoke about Sinner’s focus, effort, and intensity across the entire season. For him, that is what truly sets the Italian apart right now.
Patrick Mouratoglou compares Jannik Sinner mindset with Rafael Nadal as Novak Djokovic debate continues
Patrick Mouratoglou made it clear that the usual comparison between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic is easy to understand. Both players control rallies from the baseline and stay calm under pressure. But he feels that looking only at style misses the bigger picture.He said, “Everybody compares Jannik Sinner with Novak Djokovic, for reasons that are quite obvious, the style of game, but nobody compares him with someone I think he should be compared to in terms of mindset. It’s Rafael Nadal.”He then explained what he meant by that. According to him, Sinner and Nadal share something very rare in tennis. He added, “They have something in common that is incredible and so rare. It’s their ability to play every single shot from the 1st of January to the 31st of December with 100% commitment, focus, intensity. So rare.”Sinner’s recent results support that view. Since the 2025 Paris Masters period, he has been on a strong run. He won 37 sets in a row before Tomas Machac ended that streak. Mouratoglou highlighted how consistent Sinner has been across big events like the ATP Finals, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo.Right now, Sinner is preparing for a big final at the Monte Carlo Masters against Carlos Alcaraz. This match carries huge importance. A win could push him to the World No. 1 ranking and also give him his first clay title since 2022.After beating Alexander Zverev in the semifinal, Sinner looked relaxed and confident. He said, “I have nothing to lose. Coming here and making the final means a lot to me, so of course I will try to push as much as I can tomorrow on the last day.”At the same time, he knows the challenge ahead. He added, “Now the most important thing is to rest. It was a good performance from my side, and tomorrow is going to be a tough one.”History is not fully on his side. Sinner has lost his last two clay finals against Alcaraz, including matches in Rome and Roland Garros. But this time, with his current form and mindset, things could be different.
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