LONDON — Roger Federer’s former coach, Ivan Ljubičić, has openly praised Jannik Sinner following the Italian’s historic Wimbledon triumph, describing the moment as giving him "goosebumps." The Croatian coach, who guided Federer to multiple Grand Slam titles, hinted at a potential coaching partnership with the newly crowned champion.
Ljubičić, who worked with Federer from 2016 until the Swiss maestro’s retirement in 2022, has been vocal about his admiration for Sinner’s rapid rise. In a recent interview, he said, "Watching Jannik win Wimbledon was special. It gave me goosebumps. He’s the future of tennis, and his game is just phenomenal."
Ljubičić’s High Praise for Sinner
The 22-year-old Sinner claimed his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, defeating Novak Djokovic in a thrilling semifinal before overcoming Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set final. Ljubičić, known for his tactical acumen, highlighted Sinner’s mental and physical evolution as key factors in his success. "His composure under pressure is remarkable. He’s matured so quickly," he added.
Sinner’s game has drawn comparisons to Federer’s, particularly his effortless movement and precise shot-making. Ljubičić acknowledged the similarities but emphasized Sinner’s unique strengths:
- "His backhand is one of the best in the game—powerful and consistent."
- "His serve has improved drastically, making him a threat on any surface."
- "He’s mentally tougher than most players his age, which is rare."
Could a Coaching Partnership Happen?
Ljubičić’s comments have fueled speculation about a potential coaching role with Sinner. Currently, the Italian is coached by Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi, but Ljubičić’s experience with Federer could make him an attractive addition. "I’m always open to new challenges. Coaching a player like Jannik would be exciting," he admitted.
Sinner, who has previously spoken about learning from Federer’s game, might benefit from Ljubičić’s insights. The Croatian coach played a pivotal role in Federer’s late-career resurgence, helping him win three more majors after turning 35.
What Ljubičić Brings to the Table
Ljubičić’s coaching philosophy revolves around adaptability and mental resilience—qualities Sinner already possesses. "Ivan understands the modern game and how to prepare for big moments," said a fellow coach who wished to remain anonymous.
Sinner’s team has not commented on the speculation, but insiders suggest he is always looking to refine his game. With Ljubičić available, the partnership could be a match made in tennis heaven.
The Future of Men’s Tennis
Sinner’s Wimbledon victory has solidified his place among tennis’ elite, alongside Alcaraz and Djokovic. Ljubičić believes the young star is just getting started: "He has the potential to dominate for years. The way he’s playing now, it’s scary to think how good he can become."
The tennis world is already buzzing about a potential "Big Three" rivalry between Sinner, Alcaraz, and Djokovic. Ljubičić’s endorsement only adds to the excitement. "This is the next generation, and Jannik is leading the charge," he said.
Conclusion
While nothing is confirmed, Ivan Ljubičić’s admiration for Jannik Sinner is undeniable. His "goosebumps" comment and openness to coaching the Italian suggest a tantalizing possibility. For now, fans can only wait and see if this dream pairing becomes a reality.
One thing is certain: Sinner’s star is shining brighter than ever, and with mentors like Ljubičić potentially in his corner, the sky's the limit. "The best is yet to come for Jannik," Ljubičić concluded.