Jannik Sinner makes history on Monday when he becomes the youngest Italian to crack the Top 10 in the FedEx ATP Rankings. The 20-year-old climbed to World No. 9 following his run to the Erste Bank Open semi-finals.
The five-time ATP Tour titlist is the fifth player from his country to break into the elite group, joining Adriano Panatta, Corrado Barazzutti, Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini. Overall, Sinner is the youngest man in the Top 10 by more than two years, with Casper Ruud nearing his 23rd birthday.
It is not only impressive that Sinner is in the Top 10 — it is how quickly he got there. The San Candido native skied competitively as a junior and did not turn his focus to tennis until his early teens. Four years ago, he did not have a FedEx ATP Ranking. Now, he is near the very top of the sport.
Sinner’s Ranking This Week Since 2017
| 2017 |
Unranked |
| 2018 |
No. 785 |
| 2019 |
No. 93 |
| 2020 |
No. 44 |
| 2021 |
No. 9 |
Sinner is not blinded by his accolades, though. Far from it. The 20-year-old often speaks about the “long road” that represents his career. He is focussed on the practice or match in front of him, not his impressive rise.
“For sure I don’t want to rush so much,” Sinner said in Indian Wells. “I’m just trying… to play match after match in the best possible way, and we’ll see. [I’m] trying to improve.”
Although Sinner did not begin his ascent until just a few years ago, he quickly earned the respect of his peers and the fans. The 2019 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion has consistently held his own against the best in the sport and in many cases challenged them. The Italian, who made his first ATP Masters 1000 final this year in Miami, played Alexander Bublik during that run. The Kazakhstani asked him afterwards if he is human.
“He’s not [human]. That’s a fact,” Bublik said. “I asked him if he’s a human or not because for me, it’s very surprising that the guy at his age has this mental toughness that many, many other players don’t have. I called him a robot a couple of times during the match, but I do it in a very sincere way because he’s a really, really great player.”
Sinner played World No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the first time just two weeks later in Monte Carlo. The Serbian won the match, but had high praise for the protégé of Riccardo Piatti, who once worked with Djokovic.
“[Jannik] has got a lot of talent and he has proven that he is the future of our sport. Actually, he is already the present of our sport [having] played a final [in an] ATP Masters 1000 [event] already,” Djokovic said. “He is making big strides in professional tennis.”
Players rave about Sinner’s power, mental toughness, maturity and professionalism. Those traits have propelled him into the Top 10 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, and also into eighth in the FedEx ATP Race To Turin, putting him in position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals with a strong finish to the season. But Sinner is not allowing that to distract him.
“Honestly, I love to play tennis, and this is the reason why I play,” Sinner said in Vienna. “Obviously you would like to go to Turin or you want to win this match or that point, but sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t happen. You have to accept that. Honestly, I just try to play tennis.”
Shining Sinner Storms Into Top 10 | ATP Tour | Tennis
/in Goss, News /by RobJannik Sinner makes history on Monday when he becomes the youngest Italian to crack the Top 10 in the FedEx ATP Rankings. The 20-year-old climbed to World No. 9 following his run to the Erste Bank Open semi-finals.
The five-time ATP Tour titlist is the fifth player from his country to break into the elite group, joining Adriano Panatta, Corrado Barazzutti, Fabio Fognini and Matteo Berrettini. Overall, Sinner is the youngest man in the Top 10 by more than two years, with Casper Ruud nearing his 23rd birthday.
It is not only impressive that Sinner is in the Top 10 — it is how quickly he got there. The San Candido native skied competitively as a junior and did not turn his focus to tennis until his early teens. Four years ago, he did not have a FedEx ATP Ranking. Now, he is near the very top of the sport.
Sinner’s Ranking This Week Since 2017
Sinner is not blinded by his accolades, though. Far from it. The 20-year-old often speaks about the “long road” that represents his career. He is focussed on the practice or match in front of him, not his impressive rise.
“For sure I don’t want to rush so much,” Sinner said in Indian Wells. “I’m just trying… to play match after match in the best possible way, and we’ll see. [I’m] trying to improve.”
Although Sinner did not begin his ascent until just a few years ago, he quickly earned the respect of his peers and the fans. The 2019 Intesa Sanpaolo Next Gen ATP Finals champion has consistently held his own against the best in the sport and in many cases challenged them. The Italian, who made his first ATP Masters 1000 final this year in Miami, played Alexander Bublik during that run. The Kazakhstani asked him afterwards if he is human.
“He’s not [human]. That’s a fact,” Bublik said. “I asked him if he’s a human or not because for me, it’s very surprising that the guy at his age has this mental toughness that many, many other players don’t have. I called him a robot a couple of times during the match, but I do it in a very sincere way because he’s a really, really great player.”
Sinner played World No. 1 Novak Djokovic for the first time just two weeks later in Monte Carlo. The Serbian won the match, but had high praise for the protégé of Riccardo Piatti, who once worked with Djokovic.
“[Jannik] has got a lot of talent and he has proven that he is the future of our sport. Actually, he is already the present of our sport [having] played a final [in an] ATP Masters 1000 [event] already,” Djokovic said. “He is making big strides in professional tennis.”
Players rave about Sinner’s power, mental toughness, maturity and professionalism. Those traits have propelled him into the Top 10 in the FedEx ATP Rankings, and also into eighth in the FedEx ATP Race To Turin, putting him in position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals with a strong finish to the season. But Sinner is not allowing that to distract him.
“Honestly, I love to play tennis, and this is the reason why I play,” Sinner said in Vienna. “Obviously you would like to go to Turin or you want to win this match or that point, but sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t happen. You have to accept that. Honestly, I just try to play tennis.”
MLTC Newsletter 3 Nov
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobCLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATES
We have our A grade Ladies Doubles decided with Pam Muir and Catherine Williams winning the title in a closely contested round robin last Sunday. Michelle Stevens and Melinda Gray were 2nd with Narelle Kinsey and Liz Lim finishing 3rd. Pam and Catherine will receive their prize money on Finals Day November 20.
Sean White has progressed to the semi finals of the mens singles and mens doubles with partner Jono Walker. Milton and Jon Corney are also in the mens doubles semi after their victory on Sunday.
This Saturday the other 3 quarter finals of the Mens Singles will be contested.
The ladies semi finals will be the main drawcard on Saturday with Carolina V Sofie at 2pm as well as Emily v Krista at 2pm.
There are plenty of other good matches including the Ladies doubles semi final plus the Mens A Grade semis.
All results and the draw can be found at Manly Lawn website.
With restrictions easing each week now come down to the club on Saturday and watch some great tennis whilst enjoying a beverage from barperson John Swanson. Swanee is making a comeback to tennis instead of spectating and serving behind the bar. The word is he is practising for the Combined 100 Doubles to be played in February. He is looking for a partner to take on Andrew and George!
Denis Crowley
AGM – Monday 15th November in the Clubhouse at 7.30pm
You must be double vaccinated to attend, otherwise I can send a zoom link if you let me know.
Thursday Social
No bookings on Thursday from now on. You must still be double vaccinated to play.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Club Championships Draws Week 3
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobNOTE: PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE REGULARLY FOR ANY CHANGES TO DRAW PARTICULARLY MATCH TIMES.
Draws for the Annual Club Championships:
MLTC2021-1-MOS
MLTC2021-2-MOD
MLTC2021-3-WOS
MLTC2021-4-WOD
MLTC2021-5-XOD
MLTC2021-6-AMS
MLTC2021-7-AMD
MLTC2021-8-AWD
MLTC2021-9-AXD
Thank you to Dean Hodgson for, once again, preparing the draws!
Good luck to all competitors.
Rafael Nadal Hits With 97 Year Old | ATP Tour | Tennis
/in Goss, News /by RobRafael Nadal’s capacity to delight fans from any generation was in the spotlight again this week. An idol to young hopefuls, a mirror for adults and an example to even the oldest of players, the Spaniard is a sporting icon whose fanbase spans every age group.
Nadal welcomed a very special fan to the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar this week. Ukrainian player Leonid Stanislavskyi, 97 years of age, holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest player in the world with an International Tennis Federation (ITF) licence. He was delighted to meet the Mallorcan ex-world No. 1.
The two spoke together, exchanged greetings and knocked up on court, in a demonstration of the connections that can be made while playing. It was an unforgettable day for Leonid, who professes an eternal love for the game of tennis.
As a result of his passion for the sport, Stanislavskyi, who has been competing in amateur tennis for over half a century, sent a letter to the ITF a few months ago asking them to create a new veteran category for players in his age range. For the first time, the ITF introduced a new category for over-90s at the ITF Super Senior World Championships.
Born on 22 March 1924, Leonid has been able to witness many generations of tennis. From the amateur period, through the start of the Open Era in 1968, to the professional tennis of today, he has followed the careers of the great legends of the sport. His excitement at meeting Nadal in person was a crowning moment in his story.
During his visit, Leonid took the opportunity to see the Rafa Nadal Museum, where he was able to take a close look at the trophies won by the Spaniard during his legendary career. There, among all his other prestigious silverware, his current haul of 20 Grand Slam titles and 36 ATP Masters 1000 trophies can be found.
After a left-foot injury brought his 2021 season to a close, Nadal is continuing to work on his recovery. The Balearic Islander won two titles this year, taking the spoils at the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell, where he extended his record to 12 titles, and the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, where he reached the magical figure of 10 cups.
www.atptour.com/en/news/rafael-nadal-hits-with-97-year-old
Club Championships Draws Week 2
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobNOTE: PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE REGULARLY FOR ANY CHANGES TO DRAW PARTICULARLY MATCH TIMES.
Draws for the Annual Club Championships:
MLTC2021-1-MOS
MLTC2021-2-MOD
MLTC2021-3-WOS
MLTC2021-4-WOD
MLTC2021-5-XOD
MLTC2021-6-AMS
MLTC2021-7-AMD
MLTC2021-8-AWD
MLTC2021-9-AXD
Thank you to Dean Hodgson for, once again, preparing the draws!
Good luck to all competitors.
Tennis Seniors Update
/in News /by RobOctober 29 Update
The closing date for entries for the National Teams Carnival at Swan Hill has been extended until Nov 5 to allow more clarity from each state on their “roadmap” out of the pandemic and any issues relating to the many social events during the playing week.
You can enter as a team or an individual. Payment would then be required from each team member soon after the Nov 5 closing date.
If you haven’t entered you can now fill out a nomination form online on our website tsnsw.com.au.
Please remember to pay your annual $20 membership BSB 032-044 Acc # 315 326 or renew online by credit card before entering any tournament.
Our next tournament is the South Camden Twilight on Nov 19-21 with the Kiama Vets & Legends on Dec 11-12.
Our AGM this year will be held on Dec 19 at Strathfield Tennis Club at 11 am with social tennis following at the conclusion of our short meeting.
If you are interested in volunteering as a committee member in 2022 please drop us an email. Nominations close on Nov 14.
MTC Competitions Restart
/in News, Tennis Centre /by RobMTC Ladies & Night Competitions
Ladies Competitions start:
Night Competitions start:
ALL PLAYERS MUST BE DOUBLE VAXXED.
Reserve players always welcome. For more information, please contact or email Scott.
Sign up on the web links above.
Scott Blackburn
MTC Tennis Director & Head Pro
MLTC Newsletter 25Oct
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobCLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATES
Week 1 of our Club Championships were played in perfect weather despite prediction of rain all week. All the results can be found on line.
Our four junior players were the star performers of the weekend showing that all the coaching and practice certainly is paying dividends.
Well done to Ruby Quigley, Maria Nicol, both having very close matches. Matthew Curtis and Bede Kirwan also had close matches in the Open singles and winning their A grade matches. All four will be playing again next Saturday as will the top 8 seeds in the Men’s Open.
Two courts will be available from 11.30 am to 2pm for social play and again about 5pm.
There are a lot of matches scheduled for this weekend and the draw is online (see link above). Anyone wishing to change their match times needs to contact their opponents.
All warmups are restricted to 5 MINUTES please.
Come early and stretch before your match!
Good luck to all players.
Denis Crowley
SUPER DOUBLES – MIDWEEK PLAYERS
Should start on Thursday 18 November. Entries are limited to 8 teams. Entries close on Thursday 11 November.
Regular players who compete in Tue/Thu midweek social are eligible to enter. Now is the time to get your partner and enter. Entries should be emailed to Owen Kennedy at [email protected]. Owen has volunteered to run this event.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
www.manlylawn.com.au
Rules for people who are not fully vaccinated | NSW Govn
/in Club News, COVID /by RobNew rules are in place for fully vaccinated people in NSW.
You are fully vaccinated if you have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination or you have a medical exemption.
Children under 16 years of age who are not fully vaccinated can generally follow the rules for fully vaccinated people so long as they visit certain businesses with a fully vaccinated member of your household.
For people over the age of 16 who are not fully vaccinated, more rules and restrictions apply.
You are not fully vaccinated if you have had:
Link to:
Club Championships Draws Week 1
/in Club Championships, Club News /by RobNOTE: PLEASE CHECK WEBSITE REGULARLY FOR ANY CHANGES TO DRAW PARTICULARLY MATCH TIMES.
Draws for the Annual Club Championships:
MLTC2021-1-MOS
MLTC2021-2-MOD
MLTC2021-3-WOS
MLTC2021-4-WOD
MLTC2021-5-XOD
MLTC2021-6-AMS
MLTC2021-7-AMD
MLTC2021-8-AWD
MLTC2021-9-AXD
Thank you to Dean Hodgson for, once again, preparing the draws!
Good luck to all competitors.
MLTC Annual General Meeting 2021
/in Club News /by RobThe 49th Annual General Meeting is to be held on Monday 15th November at the Clubhouse, 7.30pm.
Please note all attendees must be double vaccinated to attend.
If you would like to attend via zoom, please email me and I will send the link prior to the meeting.
Best wishes,
Virginia
MLTC Secretary
MLTC Annual Report 2021
‘It will only get worse’ – Rafael Nadal concerned by tennis trend
/in Goss, News /by RobA certain aspect of the sport is slowly growing to the detriment of the sport and needs correcting soon according to Rafael Nadal.
The 20-time Slam champion believes that there are certain areas of the sport that could use some innovation and rethinking.
In particular, Nadal sees the serve as a potential problem area within tennis in the near future.
“I think we need to think about the serve at some stage,” he told Japanese sports magazine Number. “Because the players are getting bigger and bigger and the serve is getting faster and faster.
“If someone doesn’t find a wise solution for serving, I’m worried that matches will be decided solely by serving. I think this problem will get worse within 10 years.”
The interviewer asked whether, for example, the serve could be reduced to just one chance rather than allowing players a second serve.
“I don’t think it’s an irrelevant idea,” Nadal responded. “You can test it out and see if it makes sense. I’m in favour of innovation in the tennis world. I think it’s a good idea to try it in a small tournament first.”
The Ultimate Tennis Showdown (UTS), an exhibition event organised by Patrick Mouratoglou, has trialled a number of rule innovations since its debut in 2020.
Among them, the two-serve format has been scrapped, forcing players to land their serve in first-time.