Everyone now seems to be studying the Italian model to understand the secrets of the hard work that has brought Italian tennis to the top of the world both in team competitions – success in the Davis Cup came after 47 years – and in the individual field.
Jannik Sinner represents the flagship of a system that continues to churn out talent and wants to make fans dream by obtaining new and important victories. Sinner’s event at the Australian Open, for example, brought many people closer to tennis and encouraged many kids to choose this sport.
Volandri: “The victories against Djokovic have given awareness to Sinner”
In an exclusive interview given to Eurosport, captain Filippo Volandri he spoke precisely about the reasons that allowed Italy to become a protagonist in tennis.
“Objectively the Italian system works. It starts from very far away. I have been the technical director for eight years and many things have changed: the way of operating, we have created alliances with coaches in the private sector to increase the level and skills of each we.
There has been an investment by the Federation in the technical sector, in television, in tournaments. This whole system has meant that our kids grow faster”, explained Volandri.
“The Davis Cup is one of the parts that worked and comes with a lot of work. The victory after 47 years has lit the flame again, as have the boys’ victories. We enjoy the moment by continuing to work.
Sinner phenomenon? It starts from his family, who gave him a certain type of education. I believe that Davis gave him awareness, but above all the victories with Novak Djokovic. There is an amazing team’s work behind it, but also that done by Riccardo (referring to Piatti, ed.) before.
Today he is a complete player and has many other qualities off the pitch that make him a better player.”
