Serena Williams’ ex-coach shares 1 unique Jannik Sinner ability that sets him apart amid Italian Open comeback
Serena Williams’ former coach, Rick Macci, has identified Jannik Sinner’s extraordinary balance as the unique ability that distinguishes him from other top players during his comeback at the 2025 Italian Open. Macci, who coached Williams during her early years, shared his admiration for Sinner’s performance in a May 13, 2025, social media post, likening the world No. 1’s court movement to that of a “skiing champion.” He wrote, “What is unique about Jannik Sinner is his overall balance. His agility, improvisation skills, and unwavering balance make him a force to be reckoned with,” as noted by Sportskeeda.[]
Sinner, returning after a three-month doping suspension that ended on May 4, showcased this balance in his opening matches in Rome. He defeated Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4 on May 10 and Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-2 on May 12, displaying fluid movement and precise shot-making on the clay courts of Foro Italico. Macci emphasized that Sinner’s ability to maintain equilibrium under pressure—both physically on court and mentally amid controversy—sets him apart. “His feet are popping, his groundstrokes are popping, his serve is popping, and because of his mind, he delivers one-stop shopping,” Macci posted, highlighting Sinner’s all-around game.[](https://www.sportskeeda.com/tennis/news-serena-williams-ex-coach-shares-1-unique-jannik-sinner-ability-sets-apart-amid-italian-open-comeback)
This balance was evident in Sinner’s ability to slide into shots and recover quickly, particularly against De Jong, where he converted three of six break points and hit 22 winners, per Infosys ATP Stats. Macci’s praise comes in the context of Sinner’s resilience following a doping saga involving two positive clostebol tests in March 2024, which led to a settlement with WADA. Despite criticism from players like Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, who suggested harsher penalties, Sinner’s mental fortitude and physical poise have kept him atop the ATP rankings with a 2,000-point lead over Alexander Zverev.
As Sinner prepares to face Francisco Cerundolo in the fourth round, where their head-to-head is tied 2-2, his balance will be tested on clay, a surface where Cerundolo previously beat him in 2023. Macci’s endorsement underscores Sinner’s ability to channel adversity into performance, making his comeback a compelling narrative at the Italian Open.
