World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has marked Jannik Sinner as a future champion, saying the Italian teenager has the skill and the hunger to develop into a top player.

The 19-year-old is at a career-best ranking of 22 and could meet Djokovic for the first time if he gets past Spain’s Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the opening round of this week’s Monte Carlo Masters.

“I have seen his development,” said the Serbian, who has a opening round bye at the ATP Masters event on clay.

“It’s really impressive. He’s a very, very nice person. He’s working really hard. He’s devoted. He’s got all the goods that he needs in order to become a champion.

“He’s surrounded with very good people from tennis coach, fitness coach, physio. I know all these people from a long time ... He’s in good hands.”