Jannik Sinner produced the fastest victory of his career on Saturday, winning his opening Cincinnati Open match in 59 minutes.
The Italian world number one was simply imperious, winning the contest 6-1 6-1 against Daniel Galan.
Sinner’s hard-court proficiency is well-known. However, Sinner raised his game to yet another level during his victory against Galan.
His shotmaking ability and elite court coverage have made him the ultimate ‘brick wall’ on the ATP Tour, with few able to breach his defences.
One particular shot has caught the eye of Serena Williams’ former coach.
Photo by Frey/TPN/Getty ImagesRick Macci says Sinner’s open stance backhand is the ‘most effective shot on the run’ of the last decade
Rick Macci is a Hall of Fame tennis coach credited with the early development of Venus and Serena Williams out of Compton, California.
Macci, who continues to coach to this day, has also worked with Andy Roddick, Jennifer Capriati and Maria Sharapova.
Macci took to social media to explain his stance on a particular shot of Jannik Sinner’s.
Sinner and his open stance backhand with quality off of quality is the single most effective shot on the run we have seen this Past Decade. To get there is one thing. But to deliver a frozen Italian Icee which for most it is way too dicey. But his balance and use of the left…
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) August 10, 2025
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On X, Macci said: “Sinner and his open stance backhand with quality off of quality is the single most effective shot on the run we have seen this past decade.
“To get there is one thing. But to deliver a frozen Italian Icee which for most it is way too dicey.
“But his balance and use of the left lever can produce acute angles forever.”
Who will Jannik Sinner face in the Cincinnati Open third round?
Jannik Sinner faces a tricky opponent in the Cincinnati Open third round.
The Italian faces Canadian Gabriel Diallo, who pushed Taylor Fritz to five sets in the Wimbledon second round.
In the Cincinnati Open second round, Diallo defeated Sebastian Baez 7-5 6-4.
Photo by Mathew Tsang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After the match, Fritz said in his press conference: “That’s an incredibly hard match. In the four sets I’ve lost [first and second round], I really don’t think there’s much I did wrong at all.
“And I kind of felt like that’s the way the match was going. I was going to have to play near-perfect when I got my opportunities. Really happy to get through.”
Whoever wins out of Sinner and Diallo will face either Adrian Mannarino or Tommy Paul in the round of 16.