Roger Federer sees some impressive stuff in Jannik Sinner's game

World No. 3 Roger Federer thinks Jannik Sinner has a great potential to be a future star as he sees some impressive stuff in the 18-year-old's game. 

Sinner, who started 2019 ranked below the top-500, reached his maiden ATP semifinal in Antwerp and won the Next Gen ATP Finals last year. 

On Monday, Federer kicked off his Australian Open campaign with a straight-set win over Steve Johnson and after the match spoke highly of the rising Italian star. 

"What I like about him (Sinner) is he’s almost got the same speed of shot on forehand and backhand," Federer said, per Metro UK. "Similar to Felix [Auger-Aliassime] and some other guys. 

"Back in the day – like Steve Johnson today you go to the backhand, you know it’s going to come back slower, go to the forehand and it will come back faster. With Jannik I don’t feel there’s such a thing.

"Obviously he needs to manage when to pull the trigger and how big to go because it’s not quite realistic to keep on whacking the ball full speed. 

"He has great footwork for a big guy and then he can play again like most of the best movers in the world right now, he can play open stance and close stance, which I think is a huge advantage for movement in the future. 

"I think we’ll see so much more from him. He’s an exciting guy and a super sweet kid."

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/2THBreF