Jannik Sinner has created history at the Miami Open 2021. The 19-year-old became the fourth teenager after Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic to enter the final of the Miami Open. The self-proclaimed Rafael Nadal fan battled past Roberto Bautista Agut to seal his spot in the finale.

In a recent interview, Jannik Sinner’s coach Riccardo Piatti talked about his success as a tennis player so far. He revealed that his recent training with Rafael Nadal really helped him a lot.

“Of course, I was very happy because you need to live with these guys [Nadal]. These guys are quite simple and focused about what they are doing and Jannik likes [this] and he understands that Rafa is quite similar to him,” said the coach in the interview.

The coach also pointed out a difference between Rafa and Sinner and sarcastically mentioned that it was a small one.

“The only difference is he [Rafa] won 20 Slams. Small difference,” added Piatti with a laugh.

Riccardo Piatti highlights Jannik Sinner understood the mind of Rafael Nadal after training with him

Sinner and Rafa trained together right before the Australian Open 2021. Piatti emphasized that it was during this time that Sinner was able to understand Rafa’s mind and his gameplay. He also stated that it was the perfect moment of Sinner’s career to train with a legend like Nadal.

“He understands, ‘Okay if I do everything correct and I’m young and I need to continue like this, I can reach some of my dreams.’ It was in the perfect moment of his career. I think that these 14 days for Jannik were perfect to understand Rafa’s mind,” concluded the coach.

Jannik Sinner will face Hubert Hurcakz in the finals of the Miami Open 2021. It is his first ATP Masters 1000 tournament finale and with his current form, he can surely end up on the winning side. Will Sinner be able to repeat Novak Djokovic’s campaign of 2007 and conquer Miami as a teenager?

Also Read: “Little Bit Different”: Jannik Sinner on Playing Without Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, and Thiem at Miami Open 2021