In an exclusive interview during the Media Day at the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, Italian tennis sensation Jannik Sinner opened up about his physical condition ahead of the tournament.
After being unable to defend his title at the Canadian Open and exiting in the quarterfinals at the ATP Masters 1000 in Montreal, where Andrey Rublev ended his journey, Sinner has been grappling with some physical issues. Throughout the Omnium Banque National tournament, Sinner was seen touching his hip, indicating some discomfort. This hip problem had also plagued him in the past, causing him to miss the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and arrive at Roland Garros in less than ideal shape.
However, during the Media Day in Cincinnati, Sinner took the opportunity to address concerns about his health, stating, “I feel pretty good. Obviously I had almost a week without training before Montreal and then I played for two or three days in a row, more than usual. That could have had a potential impact on the hip. But I’m not worried or scared. The hip is fine, I can’t wait to get back on the court here in Cincinnati. I think my season is very, very positive and I want to continue to build on that.”
Despite facing physical challenges, Sinner remains optimistic about his future in the sport. Reflecting on his early success and his time at the top of the ATP rankings, he emphasized the importance of continuous improvement. “If you want to keep this position, I have to continue to improve. And if you want to improve, you have to improve more than the others,” he explained.
The Italian star acknowledged the upcoming tournament in Cincinnati as a crucial test ahead of the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the season. “This tournament can give you a lot of confidence ahead of the US Open. So it’s a really important tournament for me. I’ll think day by day,” he stated.
Sinner’s recent return to the court in Montreal after missing the 2024 Paris Olympics due to tonsillitis showcased his determination to persevere through adversity. Despite some setbacks, he remains focused on his goals and is eager to make a strong comeback in Cincinnati.
The tennis world eagerly awaits Sinner’s performance in Cincinnati as he navigates through physical challenges and strives to make his mark on the court once again.