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via Reuters

via Reuters

Defending his throne yet again, the World’s No.1 Novak Djokovic won the ATP Finals with absolute dominance. His opponent and a new fan-favorite Jannik Sinner battled with all his might. Upon his loss, his former coach Riccardo Piatti recently released a heartfelt statement. While clarifying a lot of things, he talked about Sinner’s growth as a player and how far he has come.

It seems like Piatti’s statement was also meant to cheer up and give a pat on the back of the Italian. Jannik Sinner had an amazing run this season, and he was quite good in the ATP Finals as well. However, Djokovic proved to be a little too good to be in this league anymore.

Riccardo Piatti proudly acknowledges Jannik Sinner 

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In the aftermath of Sinner’s clash with the formidable Djokovic in the ATP Finals, a familiar voice breaks the silence. Riccardo Piatti, the coach who once molded the Italian prodigy, steps into the limelight with a message. His statement speaks volumes about his former student’s journey.

Piatti opened the discourse by extending public congratulations to the 22-year-old dynamo for his remarkable week in Turin. He said, “I always knew that Jannik was ready to do great things.” He also pointed to his consistent growth and steady climb in results. Piatti continued, “Yesterday’s final is surely just the first of a long series he will play and win, and I wish Jannik the best of luck for this present and future.” 

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner Get Major Vote of Confidence From Novak Djokovic’s Coach as a Bright ‘Future’ Beckons for Men’s Tennis

Piatti’s admiration extends beyond the court. He commends Sinner for deflecting unwarranted criticism. As per him: “I also wanted to say to him “bravo” for not listening to the useless criticism he received during his last non-participation in the Davis Cup.” Through these words, Piatti acknowledged the useless banter surrounding the young athlete’s commitment to the national jersey. Despite all that he said about Sinner, Piatti went on to share an equally interesting history with Djokovic.

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Riccardo Piatti’s history with Novak Djokovic

While Piatti’s recent words resonate with pride for Sinner, his coaching journey holds intriguing layers. Beyond sculpting Sinner’s path, Piatti was once the mentor of none other than Novak Djokovic. The echoes of his past declarations gain significance as he lauds Sinner and claims that the Italian will soon reach Djokovic’s stature. He stated, “Jannik, weeks like this at the Finals, the future Slams you will win and the world ranking are the best way to show your attachment to Italy.”

Piatti was among the first to predict Djokovic’s ascent to the heights of Rafael Nadal. Now, with Djokovic surpassing Nadal, Piatti’s words carry weight in the tennis world. The coach’s dual roles in shaping the destinies of both Sinner and Djokovic added a compelling dimension through the courts of Turin.

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Now that Jannik Sinner is done with the ATP finals, he has a whole new horizon with the upcoming season. It is admirable how Piatti without any hesitation stood up for his former student. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.

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