Toni Nadal talks about the similarities between Sinner and Djokovic: "Nole is more complete"

Jose Morón | 10 Nov 2025 | 19.26

Toni Nadal compares Sinner and Djokovic: "Nole is more complete." Photo: Getty

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When Toni Nadal speaks, he usually makes headlines. Rafa's uncle is one of the few who doesn't hold back when giving his opinion, and in a time like the present, with two youngsters like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner dominating a generation prone to playing in a way that doesn't really attract him, his point of view is more than interesting to listen to.

In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Toni Nadal talks about several very interesting aspects, including the possible reason why his nephew could never win the ATP Finals. "Because they weren't played on clay," he says with a laugh. Don't miss what one of the most acclaimed coaches in the history of this sport has to say about Jannik Sinner or Novak Djokovic.

Toni Nadal's interview comparing Sinner and Djokovic

About Auger-Aliassime

Since the US Open, Félix has been playing at a very high level. He troubles everyone and had a great semifinal against Sinner and another great match in Paris.

The issue with current tennis

I would say the problem is not so much the schedule, but that the ball is too fast. It's not about quantity but the intensity and violence of the shot. There are no longer tactical players like Coria or Gaudio, who aimed to construct the point; now it's all about hitting the ball hard. Therefore, when you hit it that hard, get to the ball quickly, stop abruptly, and keep doing that repetitively, you push your body to the limit and get injured. I think the game should be slowed down.

How to slow down the game

With smaller rackets. It would be easier for beginners and more challenging for professionals. The game would be less violent. The beauty of tennis lies in the gesture. When McEnroe or Nastase played, it was all about the hand, the gesture. Tennis is the only sport that starts with a penalty. If you serve well, the opponent doesn't play.

Whether these changes could be made in tennis

Impossible. They won't happen because the leaders are only interested in the top players. Thus, they prefer everything to remain as it is.

Diverse tennis with players like Sinner or Musetti

If you observe, Sinner always plays with highly flexed legs. With such flexion, you control the ball better. Musetti, for instance, is more relaxed, and if he doesn't strike well, the ball can go out of bounds. Lorenzo has great technique. He is a very complete player, with a great backhand and forehand, but he can be a bit inconsistent. He has potential, but it's a matter of details.

If Sinner is a Djokovic 2.0

I think Nole is a bit more complete. Sinner has more ball speed in the shot, and Djokovic a bit more touch. They have in common that they set a high pace of play and have exceptional ball control with very high-level movements. Jannik always plays with a very defined game plan: he sets a high pace of play so others can't keep up.

Favorites for Turin

I believe the two top favorites are Carlos and Jannik. In Turin, the Italian may have a slight edge as Carlos doesn't really like this very fast surface. It will be a tournament not to be missed.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Toni Nadal habla de las similitudes entre Sinner y Djokovic: "Nole es más completo"