In 2019, Jannik Sinner, then ranked world No. 263, made his debut at the prestigious Rome Masters at just 17 years old. He received an invitation to the tournament following a promising performance at the Madrid Masters, marking only his second ATP event. Sinner faced American player Steve Johnson in the first round, overcoming a shaky start to win the match 1-6, 6-1, 7-5 in just under two hours.
Johnson initially dominated the match, taking a 5-2 lead in the final set and even earning a match point. However, Sinner showcased remarkable resilience, saving the match point and rallying to win five consecutive games, ultimately celebrating his first Masters 1000 victory.
Reflecting on the match, Johnson, who announced his retirement this season, recounted a surprising revelation about his early impressions of Sinner. He admitted that he did not see anything special in the young Italian’s game at the time, labeling it “terrible.” Johnson expressed frustration with his performance, especially after a strong start, and even contemplated retirement after the match. His coach and agent, however, encouraged him to reconsider, recognizing Sinner’s potential.
In a recent podcast, Johnson humorously reflected on his initial misjudgment of Sinner, praising the Italian for his rapid rise in the tennis world.
Sinner arrived in Rome after securing his first ATP win in Budapest and reaching the Challenger final in Ostrava. In the match against Johnson, he managed to score three points fewer than his opponent but crucially converted key moments, including saving a match point.
Throughout the match, Sinner displayed impressive efficiency on his first serve, although he struggled with his second serve, facing four break points and conceding three breaks. He countered with four breaks of his own in the second and third sets, including a pivotal break at 2-5 in the final set. Despite making 44 unforced errors, Sinner’s ability to play effectively at the net and his strategic shot selection allowed him to clinch the victory.
The match began with Johnson taking an early lead, capitalizing on Sinner’s mistakes to win the first set in just 21 minutes. However, Sinner quickly regrouped in the second set, serving well and taking advantage of Johnson’s errors to force a deciding set.
As the final set unfolded, both players exchanged breaks, with Sinner saving a match point while serving to stay in the match. He then gained momentum, breaking Johnson twice to take a 6-5 lead. Sinner served for the match and sealed his victory with a service winner, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Reflecting on that fateful match five years ago, Johnson noted, “I was nervous but confident. When I saw Jannik, I thought he couldn’t hurt my game. I didn’t expect to lose, but my level dropped, and I couldn’t accept the shame of losing to him. After the match, I told my agent I wanted to retire, but he and my coach urged me to give Jannik time. I never imagined he would achieve this level of success so quickly, but I’m glad to be a part of his story.”
Sinner’s remarkable journey from a 17-year-old debutant to a dominant force in tennis continues to inspire, as he solidifies his place among the sport’s elite.
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