Coaching Insights from Riccardo Piatti on Sinner and Djokovic
Riccardo Piatti, who has coached both Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, acknowledges their differences and similarities. As someone with experience coaching both athletes, Piatti offers valuable insights.
At 66, Piatti began working with Sinner at the age of 12, coaching him for eight years until 2022. He also had a short coaching stint with Djokovic, lasting just under a year between 2005 and 2006. Although Djokovic wanted him as a full-time coach, Piatti declined, leading to their separation.
Having coached both players in their formative years, Piatti believed they would eventually compete at the highest levels. “In tennis, you always have to think about the future,” he remarked in a recent video interview, highlighting that the sport is constantly evolving.
Piatti noted their exceptional mentality. “Both players were very focused on what they wanted to achieve,” he mentioned, comparing them to greats like Maria Sharapova and Ivan Ljubicic. He currently runs the Piatti Tennis Center in Italy, where around 60 young players train.
With Djokovic, Piatti recognized potential during his first U.S. Open appearance in 2005, where Djokovic triumphed in a grueling five-set match against Gaël Monfils. Piatti observed that Djokovic’s ability to endure and fight for victory was a sign of his maturity.
Sinner exhibited similar determination despite a more subdued temperament. After initially losing in a junior Italian championship, he sought Piatti’s training, leading to a significant commitment from both sides. Piatti quickly saw Sinner’s potential, reminiscent of Djokovic’s capabilities at that age.
Despite their different playing styles, Piatti remarked on the striking similarities between Sinner and Djokovic, especially in play mechanics and shot precision. Their ambition to continuously improve their serves could influence their upcoming match. As Piatti shifts focus to nurturing young talent in his academy, players like 19-year-old Gabriel Debru and 16-year-old Filippo Francesco Garbero aspire to replicate the successes of Sinner and Djokovic.
