Jannik Sinner has long been one of tennis’ most promising young talents. With his explosive power, remarkable athleticism, and an ever-developing game, the 23-year-old Italian has consistently turned heads, rising through the ATP rankings and making deep runs at major tournaments. But despite his considerable success, Sinner is not immune to self-reflection, acknowledging areas of his game that still need improvement. One of those, as he openly admitted after his Australian Open 2025 victory, is his net game.
Sinner, who has already secured his spot among the world’s best players, doesn’t shy away from honest self-assessment. Following his dominant performance in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, where he dispatched his opponent with a straight-set victory, Sinner shared candid thoughts on his game. While many tennis fans admire his baseline power and smooth movement, Sinner himself was quick to acknowledge that one of his weaker areas remains his play at the net.
“My net game is not really good,” Sinner said in his post-match interview. “I’m aware of that, and I think it’s something I really need to improve if I want to reach my maximum potential.”
His willingness to critically evaluate his game is a testament to Sinner’s maturity and dedication to growth. While he’s already considered one of the brightest stars of tennis’ next generation, his self-awareness and commitment to improvement indicate that his rise in the sport is far from over. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Sinner’s comments, his net game struggles, and what it means for his future on the ATP Tour.
### The Importance of the Net Game in Modern Tennis
In today’s game, a player’s net game—how well they play when approaching or finishing points at the net—can often be the difference between a top-tier player and an elite one. While many of today’s best players, such as Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, are known for their exceptional baseline games, all three have also been able to demonstrate incredible touch and control at the net. Whether it’s a perfectly executed volley or a sneaky drop shot followed by a crisp finishing volley, the ability to transition to the net and win points is a vital weapon.
Tennis has increasingly become a sport of power, with players hitting harder and faster than ever before. However, the ability to move forward and close out points with finesse, especially on faster surfaces like grass or hard courts, remains crucial. As the game continues to evolve, net play becomes less of a rarity and more of a necessity for players looking to reach the pinnacle of the sport.
For Sinner, who primarily thrives from the baseline with his heavy groundstrokes and aggressive rallies, his net game has, so far, been a weaker area. The young Italian, like many baseline-dominant players, often prefers to dictate play from the back of the court rather than come forward. However, as he matures and refines his overall skill set, Sinner recognizes that his ability to finish points at the net will need to improve if he hopes to consistently challenge the best players in the world and add more titles to his trophy cabinet.
### Sinner’s Strong Points: Power, Movement, and Defense
Before delving into his net game, it’s essential to recognize the strengths that have propelled Sinner to success on the ATP Tour. The Italian’s baseline game is among the best in the world, characterized by his explosive forehand, heavy backhand, and exceptional movement. Sinner is known for his ability to hit through the ball, dictating rallies with pace and precision. His aggressive style of play has earned him a reputation as a player who can take the ball early, pounce on short balls, and hit through his opponents.
Additionally, Sinner is a remarkable mover for his size. Standing at 6’2”, he’s an imposing figure on the court, but his footwork is fluid and precise. His speed allows him to cover the court efficiently and get into positions to hit clean, powerful shots from the back of the court. His defensive skills, particularly his ability to redirect pace and counterattack, have also been impressive. When he is on, Sinner can put pressure on his opponents from almost anywhere on the court.
Yet, while his baseline game is solid, one area where Sinner lacks consistency is in his net play. His footwork and movement at the baseline often translate well to approaching the net, but his volleys and transition game sometimes leave room for improvement. As he rises up the rankings and faces increasingly experienced and versatile opponents, Sinner will need to refine these skills to avoid being vulnerable in crucial moments.
### The Self-Awareness of a Rising Star
What’s striking about Sinner’s admission regarding his net game is the level of self-awareness he displays. At just 23 years old, the Italian is already an accomplished player with an impressive list of achievements, including multiple ATP titles and deep Grand Slam runs. Yet, rather than becoming complacent or overly confident in his current game, Sinner recognizes that growth is a constant part of his journey.
“I think there is always room for improvement, no matter how good you get,” Sinner said. “I know I need to work on my net game. It’s something I can get better at, and it’s a big part of the game that I need to make more of.”
This mentality is what sets Sinner apart from many players in his age group. Instead of being content with his already formidable baseline game, he is looking ahead to the next steps in his development. His openness about his weaknesses is a sign of maturity—understanding that addressing these areas will only make him more well-rounded and dangerous as a player.
While it’s not uncommon for young players to focus solely on their strengths and natural abilities, Sinner’s approach reflects a deeper understanding of what it takes to consistently compete at the highest level. His willingness to acknowledge that improving his net game will be vital for his long-term success is indicative of his commitment to becoming a complete player, and to challenging the very best.
### What Needs to Improve: Volleys, Transition Play, and Touch
When Sinner mentions that his net game “is not really good,” it’s clear that his current skill set in this area is not yet at the level required to consistently finish points at the net. His volleys, in particular, are an area of focus. Although Sinner has the technique and athleticism to close the net with confidence, his execution under pressure can be inconsistent. His volleys tend to lack the touch and finesse that some of the tour’s best net players—like Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic—display.
In addition to his volleying technique, his transition play needs refinement. While he is comfortable on the baseline, transitioning to the net is an art form that requires excellent timing and footwork. Sinner’s game often involves powerful baseline rallies, but getting to the net quickly after hitting a strong shot or taking advantage of a short ball is a skill he will need to develop further to become a more complete player.
Working on his overheads and refining his angles and positioning when approaching the net will be key to becoming more effective in these situations. While Sinner’s speed and agility give him a solid foundation, adding more subtlety and control in these aspects of his game will take his play at the net to the next level.
### Sinner’s Path Forward: A More Complete Game
Looking ahead, Sinner’s path to improving his net game could follow in the footsteps of other baseline players who have transformed their approach to the net. One notable example is Novak Djokovic, whose net game, once considered a weakness, has become one of his strengths. Djokovic’s transition from a pure baseline player to one who actively seeks opportunities to come forward has helped him win multiple Grand Slams.
For Sinner, the key will be integrating his existing power and movement with improved net play, allowing him to seamlessly close points when the opportunity arises. If he can add more variety to his game and become more comfortable at the net, he could become an even more formidable force on the ATP Tour.
As he progresses through the 2025 Australian Open, Sinner’s net game will likely remain a topic of conversation. However, with his ability to recognize areas for improvement and work tirelessly on his craft, it’s only a matter of time before Sinner becomes a more well-rounded player—ready to challenge for the biggest titles in tennis.
For fans watching his journey, the next few years promise exciting developments. Jannik Sinner is on track to become one of the sport’s most complete and dangerous players, and his commitment to improving his game is sure to yield great results in the years to come.