“Best Preparation”: Jannik Sinner Hails the Importance of Practicing With Rafael Nadal Ahead of Australian Open 2021

Over the years, Spain’s Rafael Nadal made himself one of tennis’s greatest assets. His contribution to the sport is noteworthy. He won his 13th title at Roland Garros and equaled Roger Federer’s record of being the proud owner of 20 Grand Slam titles. To win 13 titles at one particular event is unthinkable. 

At the moment, the Spaniard is in Australia. He was part of the exhibition event ‘A Day at the Drive’ in Adelaide. During the course of that event, players had to undergo a 14-day quarantine. Italian teenager Jannik Sinner got the opportunity to train with Rafa during this period. 

Jannik Sinner: “To Practice With Rafael Nadal Is the Best Preparation I Can Get”

Recently, he shared his experience and stated, “For me, for a 19-year-old to practice with a player who has won Grand Slam titles, I think is the best preparation I can get.”

“Obviously, he’s a very humble guy. Even his team is very humble and I think it has been two very fantastic weeks and I say thanks to him for the preparation. I think it’s more important for me than to play tournaments because I think I can learn many things from him.”

In the previous season, they faced each other in the quarterfinal at the French Open. The match ended in straight sets but the Italian showed promising signs to progress in the future. During the event, he beat Belgium’s David Goffin and Germany’s Alexander Zverev. 

At the moment, both Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal are preparing for the first Grand Slam of the new season, the Australian Open 2021. Last year, the 19-year-old teenager lost in the second round in Melbourne, whereas Nadal lost in the quarterfinal. Rafa won the Australian Open in 2009. 

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