Italy’s No.3 Matteo Arnaldi has been a sensation this season reaching a career-high of 35 in the ATP rankings. However, his boyhood friend Jannik Sinner sits at No.2 with a Grand Slam to his name. Without envy, Arnaldi aims to follow in his countryman’s footsteps as he aims to achieve more.
Sinner has become a strong influence on younger players, most especially on Italian players in the ATP and WTA. The 22-year-old already has three titles this year and is pushing for the No.1 position after just beginning the year as No.4. With only two losses this season, he won his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne earlier this year beating Novak Djokovic in the semifinals and Daniil Medvedev in final.
He went on to win the Rotterdam Open but suffered his first defeat in the Indian Wells Masters. The No.2 regained himself despite the defeat and went on to win the Miami Open two weeks later. Though he has yet to win any clay title, he reached the semifinals of Monte Carlo.
Matteo Arnaldi, Jannik Sinner (in circle) via Imago
In a recent interview with Ubitennis, Jannik Sinner’s boyhood friend Arnaldi revealed the relationship he has with the Australian Open champion while also yearning to follow in his footsteps.
If I didn't think I could follow in Sinner's footsteps, I wouldn't play tennis anymore . I think everyone's goal is to win Grand Slams and become number 1. I remember both of us. We were already very similar to now, he was already hitting very hard and I was rowing like a desperate man. We always had the same physique, lean, but he had a different type of game. We grew up together, he has also been in Bordighera since he was 13 and we have been very close since we were little.Matteo Arnaldi said.
Sinner will not be playing at the Italian Open in Rome after withdrawing from the tournament due to hip injury. Arnaldi will be hoping to take his place at the front of the Italian crowd but will face a tricky test when he plays his first-round match against Tomas Machac this Thursday.
Matteo Arnaldi’s two quarterfinals finish, an encouraging start to the season
Matteo Arnaldi has had an encouraging start to the season. With two quarterfinals finish, the 23-year-old is hoping to reach a final and win a title this season. He began the year well, reaching the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International before losing to Russian, Roman Safiullin.
He earned his biggest win at the Mexico Open in Acapulco beating American Taylor Fritz. But ultimately, he lost to another American, Ben Shelton in the round of 16.
At the Sunshine Doubles, he exited in the second round of Indian Wells. However, in Miami, he upset Alexander Bublik in the second round. The Italian was hoping for success in Barcelona after a good start but lost to eventual champion Casper Ruud 4-6, 3-6 in the quarterfinals.
