Andre Agassi shares why he relates to Jannik Sinner and loves watching Carlos Alcaraz play
Andre Agassi stated that he sees shades of himself in Jannik Sinner and enjoys watching Carlos Alcaraz in action. The American is regarded as one of the most notable tennis stars of his era and won eight Grand Slam titles in his career.
Even though he did not explicitly mention only one player who reminded him the most of himself, Agassi shared that he saw bits and pieces of his old self in the new generation of players, more so in Jannik Sinner. He commended the Italian on his impeccable ball-striking skills and stated that he resonated with him on that front.
In an interview with Bleacher Report, he said:
"Oh, I don't know if you're talking mentally, emotionally, game wise, it's honestly, the game has changed so much. Sinner has my heart from a ball striking perspective, because I always felt like that. That was me. I was a ball striker at heart, so I kind of connect to that."
However, he added that there are players like Carlos Alcaraz, Tommy Paul and Holger Rune, whom he immensely enjoys watching and admires certain specific qualities of.
"But I love watching Alcaraz play. I love watching like the dynamics and athleticism of Tommy Paul. I love watching athletics, the dynamics of like Holger Rune. I just appreciate the game," added Andre Agassi.
The tennis legend even elaborated on their playing styles on a podcast appearance recently.
Andre Agassi on Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz's playing styles
Andre Agassi, during his recent appearance on the Served Podcast with Andy Roddick, broke down the difference in the playing styles of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
He described the Italian as a more clinical player who is constantly calculating the progression of his shots and trying to become more efficient. Alcaraz, meanwhile, received brownie points from the tennis legend owing to his emotion-driven and instinctive approach to the game. Agassi said (via ATP Tour):
"The thing that amazes me most watching Carlos play live is how little his speed diminishes [from] clay [to] grass...He’s still so raw. I hope he learns how to maximize, and we should enjoy watching him before he does, because it’s so much fun for the fans to watch how he plays the game."
"Sinner is the exact opposite, he is constantly maximizing. He’s never hit a ball he doesn’t really need to and when he does let one rip, it makes you wonder if he was forced to, what that gear would really look like."
The two players have been having a stellar season so far and will face each other in a blockbuster duel in the final of the French Open, battling it out for the prestigious Musketeers' trophy on June 8.