Why Jannik Sinner's Open Stance is Changing the Game

If you watch the ATP tour right now, Jannik Sinner is arguably hitting the cleanest, heaviest baseline ball in the world. He generates an absurd amount of pace, and he does it looking like he's barely swinging.

A lot of amateur players watch Sinner, go to their local courts, and try to replicate his forehand. The result? They shank the ball into the back fence or hit a weak, arm-only shot into the net. Here is the secret to Sinner's mechanics, and why your open stance isn't working.

The Coil, Not Just the Stance

When amateur players hit an "open stance" forehand, they usually just stand facing the net, plant their feet, and swing with their shoulder and arm. Because their chest is already facing the net, there is zero rotational energy available. It's 100% arm.

Watch Sinner closely. Yes, his feet are parallel to the baseline (open), but his upper body is completely coiled sideways. His non-dominant shoulder is tucked under his chin, and his back is almost facing the net. The power doesn't come from his arm; it comes from the violent uncoiling of his torso snapping back to face the net.

Loading the Outside Leg

The second mistake amateurs make is weighting the wrong foot. Sinner loads 80% of his body weight onto his outside leg (his right leg on a forehand). He bends that knee, drops his center of gravity, and explodes upward and forward. If your weight is evenly distributed on both feet, or worse, falling backward, you will never hit a heavy ball.

The Modern Windshield Wiper Finish

Because Sinner is rotating his hips so violently, his arm naturally acts like a whip. He finishes the stroke with a massive "windshield wiper" follow-through across his body, rather than over his shoulder like the old-school technique taught in the 90s. This finish is what rips the back of the ball, imparting the topspin required to keep a 95mph forehand inside the lines.