Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner recently opened up about the added pressure he felt playing as the world’s No. 1 for the first time at the Halle Open. Sinner clinched his maiden title on grass courts by defeating Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(8), 7-6(2) in the finals. This victory came after a challenging start, where he lost the first set in each of his initial three matches before overcoming Zhizhen Zhang and Hurkacz in straight sets.
Looking ahead, Sinner is set to be the top seed at Wimbledon, marking his first appearance as world No. 1 after ascending to the ranking post-French Open. Reflecting on past encounters, he noted his semi-final loss to Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last year and a quarter-final defeat in 2022, where he had a two-set lead. Sinner remains focused yet cautious, aware that Djokovic, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, is always a formidable opponent, despite the uncertainty of his participation due to a recent meniscus tear.
In an interview with La Repubblica, Sinner discussed the fierce competition and his strategy for Wimbledon. He emphasized his improved movement on grass, which allows him to play more aggressively. Sinner expressed his excitement for the tournament, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of Wimbledon and the high level of talent among competitors. He refrained from declaring himself the favorite, citing the strong performances of Djokovic, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, and Alexander Zverev.
Sinner also shared his thoughts on the unique experience of competing as the top-ranked player at Halle. He admitted feeling the extra pressure but noted that once on the court, his focus shifts solely to playing and winning. He highlighted the importance of seizing decisive points, especially on a surface like grass, where matches can hinge on a few critical moments.
Overall, Sinner’s reflections convey a blend of humility and determination as he prepares for Wimbledon. He is ready to face the challenges head-on, aiming to build on his past performances and make a significant impact in the upcoming tournament. The tennis world eagerly anticipates how the young Italian will navigate the pressures and opportunities that come with his new status as the world’s No. 1.