JANN’S THE MAN
Sinner’s on a roll and now the world No.2 can overtake Novak to the top spot at Roland Garros
JANNIK SINNER arrived “home” in Monaco targeting the French Open and the world No.1 ranking.
The Australian Open champion became the highest-ranked Italian man in history by winning the Miami Open and climbing to world No.2.
In a stunning start to the year, Sinner has won 22 out of 23 matches while Novak Djokovic, the world No.1, is 8-3 – including a shock defeat to world No.123 Luca Nardi – and has just split with his coach Goran Ivanisevic.
The Serbian (circled) is now only 1,015 points clear at the top of the rankings, with Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz 65 points behind Sinner.
With the clay-court season starting in Sinner’s base of Monte Carlo this weekend, the summer promises a thrilling threeway battle for world No.1.
But Sinner, 22, has the momentum. Since October 2023 he has won 13 of 15 matches against topfive opponents – including three wins over Djokovic – and racked up 3,900 points in the last 90 days.
Patrick Mcenroe tweeted: “In the last six months, Jannik Sinner is the best player on the planet and it’s not close.”
Sinner, who had no time for celebrations in Miami before flying back over the Atlantic, said: “Now I am No.2 and I am very happy to get there. I always work to be the best version of myself, to get better on the court and possibly also as a person. If one day all this means world No.1, I will be happy.
“Let’s take it step by step. My main objective is Roland Garros, everything will be done with the aim of getting there in the best condition.”
Sinner, one of the few Italians who is not a clay-court specialist, reached the semi-finals in Monte Carlo last year.
However, he withdrew from Barcelona, missed Madrid, and went out early in Rome and in the second round in Paris.
But, after helping Italy to the Davis Cup in November, the redhead (with the Australian Open trophy, above) underwent a gruelling pre-season and returned in Melbourne to blow away Djokovic and then recover from two sets down against Daniil Medvedev in the final.
“I have the feeling I have learned a lot and can still do better,” he said.
“On clay, tennis is even more physical and in the last year it is the area where I have improved the most. I am curious to see how it will go.”
So will the whole of Italy. ‘Sinnermania’ means tournaments in Rome and the ATP Finals in Turin in November are nearly sold out.
Sinner (with the Miami Open trophy, right) is already No.1 in popularity in his homeland for his work ethic and his modesty.
His parents Johann and Siglinde still work together as chef and waitress in a restaurant in Sesto-val-fiscalina in the Italian Alps.
“I come from a very normal family,” he added. “I never thought I would get to this point.”