EXCLUSIVE: Stats Indicate Jannik Sinner’s Clay Court Performance is at its Peak This Year, but His Australian Coach Claims He’s Capable of Even More

Jannik Sinner’s Australian coach, Darren Cahill, has observed through analytics that the Italian is performing at the peak of his career on clay during this year’s Roland-Garros. However, he believes he has witnessed Sinner play to an even higher level overall.

This Saturday at 3am (AEST), Sinner will face off against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals in Paris, with the winner earning a spot in the final against either Carlos Alcaraz or Lorenzo Musetti.

As the top seed, Sinner has managed to defeat Djokovic in their last three encounters and four out of five, including their semi-final match at the 2024 Australian Open. With an equal record of 4-4 against him, Sinner is 15 years Djokovic’s junior, at 23, while Djokovic is 38.

The reigning Australian Open champion, Sinner, boasts a perfect record of 3-0 in Grand Slam finals and has advanced through this year’s Roland-Garros without dropping a single set.

Alexander Bublik, who fell to Sinner in their quarter-final encounter in straight sets, remarked that the Italian was “from another dimension” due to the difficulties he faced on court.

While Cahill acknowledges Sinner’s strong performance in Paris this year, he refrains from stating that it has been his best tennis to date.

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“Yes, I think he performed quite well here last year, reaching the semi-finals and having a genuine shot against Carlos, where he ultimately lost in five sets,” Cahill stated during an interview with Stan Sport’s Duncan McKenzie-McHarg on Grand Slam Daily.

“It’s challenging for me to pinpoint the exact differences since we observe him daily.

“From our analysis, we’ve noticed he’s striking the ball with greater force and spin, coupled with improved accuracy, which allows him to seize control of more points. Hence, it does appear that he is performing as well as he has ever done on clay.

“Nonetheless, I believe I’ve witnessed him deliver better tennis overall than what we’ve seen here, but that’s to be expected, especially since he hasn’t participated in tournaments for the past four months.

“However, he’s been progressively improving as the rounds progress, and what stands out is how efficient he’s been throughout this tournament—no unnecessary energy spent.

“He is heading into the semi-finals with a full tank and will be primed to take on perhaps the greatest player of all time.”

In contrast, Djokovic advanced from his quarter-final in four sets, as did Musetti against Frances Tiafoe. Yet Alcaraz and Sinner conserved valuable energy with straight-sets victories.

“Novak has an underrated serve—both his first and second serves—so getting involved in points against him is crucial,” Cahill continued.

“It’s also vital for Sinner to make the most of his chances to conclude points, as allowing Djokovic to reset and extend rallies complicates matters immensely.

“Once Jannik gets those opportunities, he needs to adopt an aggressive approach.”

At 23, Sinner has claimed three of the last five Grand Slam titles, including the US Open last year and the Australian Open this year.

He is currently on an unbeaten streak of 19 matches at Grand Slams and has won his last 26 sets in these tournaments.

Djokovic, meanwhile, secured his 100th career title before arriving at Roland-Garros but faced early defeats in Doha, Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and Madrid, raising concerns regarding his fitness.

Nevertheless, he has only dropped one set on his way to the semi-finals in Paris.

“My way of winning the tournament certainly bolstered my mental approach going into Roland-Garros,” Djokovic stated.

“My victory against Alcaraz in the quarters of the Australian Open and my win over Zverev affirm my capability of competing at the highest levels, and I thrive in these high-pressure situations.

“Jannik is in outstanding form and has been the leading player over the last couple of years.

“However, these matchups and challenges bring out the best in me. Competing in a best-of-five, late-stage Grand Slam against the world No. 1—there’s nothing that can motivate me more at my age.”