Jannik Sinner reveals advice he got from Roger Federer in 2019

Jannik Sinner was eliminated in the semi-finals at the 2023 Wimbledon.

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has talked about the advice Swiss legend Roger Federer gave him five years ago.

During a recent press conference at the 2024 Halle Open, the World No. 1 revealed that he got a chance to play a warm-up match with Roger Federer in 2019. Jannik Sinner stated that he was walking around the players’ on-site hotel during the qualifying rounds at the 2019 Halle Open when he met Federer’s former coach Severin Luthi.

Severin Luthi asked the Italian tennis star if he could help Roger Federer get warmed up for his match at the grass court ATP 500 event.

Jannik Sinner stated, “I remember Luthi stopping me on the stairs of the hotel and asking me if I could warm (Federer) up for his match I said, ‘Of course, yes.’ It was a very good feeling, a special feeling.”

The World No. 1 never got an opportunity to share the court with Roger Federer in an official match. However, Sinner will always remember the practice sessions he played against the 20-time Grand Slam champion.

The Italian added, “I didn’t have the chance to play against Roger in an official match and this is something that I will always miss. But, I do remember the practice sessions with him. I didn’t have many, so I do remember every single one, more or less.”

Later, Jannik Sinner also talked about the mental advice Roger Federer gave him after the match. The Swiss maestro advised the 2024 Australian Open champion to enjoy the sport and work hard.

Also Read: ‘I have the picture at home,’ – Roger Federer reflects on his friendship with Rafael Nadal

The World No. 1 added, “He gave me just kind of mental advice: Try to enjoy it and keep looking forward to working hard. That’s the only thing he told me and it was very nice to share a court with him.”

Sinner has been in stellar form in 2024. He has a win/loss record of 33/3 with three titles to his name this season. Last week, he became the first Italian tennis player to reach the top spot in the ATP rankings.

The 23-year-old has started his 2024 Halle Open campaign with a resounding 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 win over the Netherlands’ Tallon Griekspoor in the first round. Next up, Sinner will face Hungary’s Fabian Marozsan in the second round on Thursday, June 20.

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