Tennis legend Jimmy Connors recently weighed in on Jannik Sinner’s impressive Wimbledon victory, highlighting Sinner’s exceptional return game and questioning the growing size of modern tennis entourages, including that of Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner’s Return Game Was Key
According to Jimmy Connors, it wasn’t just Jannik Sinner’s powerful serve that sealed his Wimbledon triumph. On his “Advantage Connors” podcast, the former champion emphasized the critical role of Sinner’s return of serve.
Connors noted that while many focus on big serves, Sinner’s ability to return with “authority and purpose” made all the difference. He wasn’t just putting the ball back in play; he was looking to be aggressive and gain an advantage right from the start of the point.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Connors’ observations are backed by data. Statistics from Tennisabstract confirm that Sinner won an impressive 36% of his return points against Alcaraz, tallying 44 points from the 121 serves he faced.
His performance on Alcaraz’s second serve was particularly devastating, where he won 21 out of 50 points. In contrast, Alcaraz managed to win only 31% of his return points.
A Smart Strategy Pays Off
Connors believes Sinner and his coaching team have developed a winning strategy. “He has figured it out, or whoever is with him has figured it out,” Connors stated, suggesting that by holding serve comfortably, Sinner could then apply significant pressure on his opponent’s serve.
This aggressive approach, especially on second serves, might not always yield immediate results but can pay huge dividends later in a match, particularly during crucial moments like late in a set or a deciding third set.
Questioning the Modern Entourage
Beyond the on-court strategy, Connors also expressed bewilderment at the large entourages accompanying modern tennis stars. He specifically recalled seeing Carlos Alcaraz hug “seven or eight guys” before walking out for the final.
Connors, whose own mother simply told him to “get out there and play and let’s go home,” sees such a large group as a potential distraction. While modern players view these team members as essential for various purposes, Connors suggests it could take away from focus.
- Jimmy Connors credits Jannik Sinner’s aggressive return of serve for his Wimbledon win.
- Sinner’s strong return game, particularly on second serves, was supported by statistical data.
- Connors believes Sinner’s team developed a smart strategy to pressure opponents on returns.
- He criticized the growing size of player entourages, calling them a potential distraction.
Connors’ insights offer a unique perspective on what it takes to win at the highest level of tennis, blending strategic analysis with a touch of old-school wisdom.
