On the eve of the all-Italian Wimbledon derby with Matteo Berrettini Jannik Sinner’s coach speaks with Italian press about the state-of-the-art of the world No.1
How do you rate yesterday’s debut?
VAGNOZZI: Very well. The first few rounds are always tricky. Yesterday he was slipping a little too much, but we have to consider that the courts are really very wet. Here at Wimbledon the first rounds are always difficult. This is so typical of grass events and Halle proved it.
Were there any differences compared to Halle?
VAGNOZZI: We won a great match yesterday; Halle is clear evidence of the fact that grass-court matches are always so close. We won three matches in the third set there as well, going through difficult moments. Even yesterday it wasn’t easy against Hanfmann who at a certain point started playing very well.
What are the difficulties in facing an opponent you already know well like Matteo Berrettini? Does it change your routine?
VAGNOZZI: The routine is always the same. The only difference is that it is a derby, but by now we are used to this too. Playing against the Italians is ever so frequent because there are so many of them around that it’s almost normal to play derbies.
In terms of technique, in recent years you have definitely worked very much on the angled crosscourt forehand followed by coming into the net. How important is this shot on grass?
VAGNOZZI: There are a lot of little things that make the difference, like the fact that you are more confident in slicing balls, the fact that you have added some serve and volleys to your gameplay, which on this surface you always need. Knowing that you have fewer weaknesses that your opponent can delve into certainly helps.
How have you been spending the day before this match with Berrettini?
VAGNOZZI: Today we have already finished training. Jannik is also a good meteorologist, because he chose to train at 11 o’clock, so we finished before the rain [or maybe he wanted to go and watch Anna Kalinskaya’s match in the afternoon]. We’ve been training with Sonego, now there’s physio, and he’ll probably be cooking tonight.
Have you noticed any changes since he became world No. 1?
VAGNOZZI: He’s always the same guy, we always set ourselves new goals: this year he’s won his first Grand Slam, he’s become No. 1 in the world, and now we have to stay No. 1 and go and win a few more Slams. His attitude with us hasn’t changed, I don’t know if he’s changed with you…
Were you surprised that he opened up very cooly about his relationship with Kalinskaya?
VAGNOZZI: He’s definitely growing up, and as he gets older he takes on more responsibility. He’s willing to show more of his personality.
Can the physical work aimed at gaining 3-4 kg of muscle be considered accomplished and finished, even if you obviously never stop working and trying to improve?
VAGNOZZI: I think so, maybe you can still put on a few more muscles, but not too much, because you shouldn’t overdo it by putting too much mass. However, these are questions you should ask Umberto [Ferrara, Sinner’s physical coach]. From my point of view, I believe that his qualities must remain speed, rapidity in moving, and if you go to put on too much muscle mass you lose something elsewhere. He doesn’t need more strength, the ball comes off his racquet pretty fast.
Is there a shot that you consider Jannik’s litmus test? What tells you if it’s a good day or not?
VAGNOZZI: Jannik is a very complete player, but when he comes out on the court and hits his backhand cleanly,
