“Maria Has Priorities”: Coach Reveals How Meeting Maria Sharapova Helped Jannik Sinner Change His Mindset

Jannik Sinner is the name on every tennis fans’ lips at the moment. The 19-year-old has played brilliantly at the Miami Open 2021 so far and has exhibited some great skill on the court. With his run at the event, he has now become only the fourth teenager after Andre Agassi, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic to enter the final of the Miami Open.

In a recent interview, Jannik Sinner’s coach Riccardo Piatti revealed how the mindset of Maria Sharapova helped him to become a better tennis player. According to him, Sharapova always thinks like the No.1 player and does everything so perfectly.

“I wanted Jannik to understand the mentality of a No. 1. Maria has priorities. When she is on the court, she is watching the ball, hitting the ball, and doing everything perfect,” said the coach in the interview.

Piatti mentioned that Sharapova was really focused when she used to play tennis. He also claimed that even now, after her retirement, she is absolutely fit and healthy.

“When she plays points, she’s focussed to play the points. When she’s off the court, she’s focussed on the fitness part, the physical part, and when she finishes everything, she’s social,” added Piatti.

Riccardo Piatti wants Jannik Sinner to adapt the winning mentality of Maria Sharapova

Piatti also stated that Sharapova is a champion because she’s always had a winning mentality. He also emphasized that the former tennis player is a really important personality and idol for Sinner and he takes a lot of inspiration from her and Rafael Nadal.

“Maria is an example that she has a great mentality to be a champion. It’s not me explaining [a lesson], but another one like Nadal or Maria. He saw the mentality from these players. Maria was very, very important for me and for him,” concluded Piatti.

Jannik Sinner has really impressed everyone with his style of play. The Italian player will face Hubert Hurcakz in the final of the Miami Open 2021 today. Will the 19-year-old be able to conquer Miami this year?

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