In a candid and wide-ranging conversation that gave fans a rare glimpse into her inner circle and rooting interests, tennis legend Serena Williams revealed the one ATP Tour star she is constantly on the phone with and the player she believes has the potential to surpass the monumental achievements of Novak Djokovic.
The Player Who Gets the Call
During an appearance on a popular talk show, the 23-time Grand Slam champion was asked about the current state of men's tennis and which players catch her eye. Without hesitation, Williams named the young Italian sensation Jannik Sinner. She didn't just praise his game; she disclosed the personal nature of their relationship, stating, "I always call Jannik."
This revelation underscores a mentorship-like bond between one of the greatest athletes of all time and the current World No. 1. Williams elaborated, explaining that her calls are often filled with advice and encouragement. "I'm always rooting for Jannik," she admitted, leaving no doubt about where her loyalties lie in the new era of men's tennis.
The Blueprint for Surpassing Greatness
The conversation naturally turned to the sport's enduring giants, specifically Novak Djokovic and his record 24 Grand Slam titles. When posed the question of who could possibly outdo the Serbian champion, Williams again pointed to Sinner. She highlighted his rapid development and a specific, nearly unbeatable phase he entered in the latter part of 2023 and into 2024.
Williams pointed to Sinner's incredible run, which has made him the man to beat on tour. His recent accomplishments provide a compelling case for her bold prediction. Since the US Open in 2023, Sinner has been in scintillating form, achieving a series of career-defining victories.
- Winning his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open
- Clinching the ATP Finals trophy in Turin
- Leading Italy to its first Davis Cup title in decades
- Securing the World No. 1 ranking for the first time
This period of dominance, particularly his triumphant comeback against Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final, demonstrated a level of mental fortitude that Williams clearly believes is the hallmark of a future all-time great. She seemed to suggest that his current trajectory, if maintained, puts him on a path that could one day challenge the sports most sacred records.
The Sinner Style: A New Brand of Power
What exactly is it about Jannik Sinner's game that impresses a critic as knowledgeable as Serena Williams? Analysts and former players often point to the unique qualities of the 22-year-old's playstyle, which combines brute force with balletic movement. Williams likely sees a kindred spirit in his powerful baseline game.
Key technical aspects of Sinner's game that make him a nightmare matchup include. His ability to take the ball exceptionally early on both wings, robbing opponents of precious reaction time. His clean, flat ball-striking generates immense pace from seemingly neutral positions. And perhaps most importantly, his relentless and aggressive returns, which put servers under immediate pressure.
This style has proven effective even against the very best. His head-to-head record against the other members of the "Big Three" of his generation is a testament to his growth. After initial struggles, he has turned the tide, winning key matches against Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune, proving he can solve the puzzles presented by his closest rivals.
The Mentality of a Champion
Beyond the technical prowess, Williams' endorsement surely extends to Sinner's temperament. Often described as unflappable and stoic on court, he possesses a mental calmness that mirrors the focus of champions like Djokovic and Williams herself. He rarely shows extreme emotion, instead channeling all his energy into the tactical problem at hand.
This was never more evident than in Melbourne, where he weathered a storm from a player who was dominating him in the first two sets. Sinner's ability to stay the course, adjust his strategy, and ultimately dismantle his opponent's game over five sets was a champion's performance. It's the kind of mental strength that cannot be taught and is essential for anyone aspiring to reach the very pinnacle of the sport.
The Daunting Djokovic Benchmark
For any player, the goal of surpassing Novak Djokovic is a monumental one. Djokovic's career is a masterclass in longevity, adaptation, and peak performance. To even approach his records, Sinner would need to maintain an elite level for the better part of a decade. The key benchmarks set by Djokovic include.
- 24 Grand Slam singles titles (an all-time record)
- Over 400 weeks ranked as World No. 1
- A double Career Grand Slam (winning all four majors twice)
- A record 7 ATP Finals titles
The path for Sinner, while incredibly difficult, is not impossible. His youth is his greatest asset. At 22, he has time on his side. His game is built on efficient, powerful strokes that are less taxing on the body than a style reliant on extreme speed and defense. Furthermore, his focused and professional approach to his career, including his diet, training, and scheduling, suggests a player built for the long haul.
A Legend's Seal of Approval
The significance of Serena Williams' public backing cannot be overstated. When a player of her stature names someone as the potential successor to a throne, it carries immense weight. It's a transfer of confidence from one generation to the next. Her admission that she is personally invested in his success, to the point of regular phone calls, adds a layer of genuine mentorship to their relationship.
This isn't just a casual comment from a retired player; it's a strategic endorsement from a savvy tennis mind who has seen countless talents come and go. Williams recognizes the complete package in Sinner. "He's a really good kid," she said, emphasizing the character that complements his champion's mentality.
In the high-stakes world of professional tennis, where the mental game is as important as the physical, having the support and counsel of Serena Williams is an invaluable advantage. As the tennis world watches Sinner's every move, he does so with the quiet confidence of a player who has not only reached the top of the mountain but also has one of its most revered former inhabitants guiding him from the base camp.
Only time will tell if Serena Williams' prediction proves prophetic. The journey from potential to legend is long and fraught with challenges. But with his current form, his unwavering focus, and now the very public backing of a GOAT, Jannik Sinner has everything in front of him to craft a legacy that could one day be spoken of in the same breath as the immortals of the game.