Jannik Sinner insists he isn’t giving an excessive amount of of his focus to the opportunity of overtaking Novak Djokovic on the world No. 1 spot regardless of being in a really robust place to take action.
This Monday, Djokovic began the week with 9,9960 rating factors whereas Sinner has 8,770 factors. On paper, it appears like a robust lead however Djokovic entered the French Open with 2,000 rating factors to defend because the defending champion whereas Sinner had simply 45 factors to defend since he misplaced within the second spherical at Roland Garros final yr.
And on Monday, Sinner defended these 45 factors by making it previous Christopher Eubanks 6-3 6-3 6-4 within the French Open first spherical.
Now, Djokovic should attain the French Open remaining as a way to have any likelihood of retaining the world No. 1 spot after the second Grand Slam match of the season. If Djokovic makes the French Open remaining, Sinner can nonetheless get to the world No. 1 spot by reaching the semifinal. If each Sinner and Djokovic find yourself making the ultimate, the Italian will nonetheless develop into the world No. 1 even with a loss.
After beginning his French Open run with a win, a reporter acknowledged to Sinner that he was in a robust place to overthrow Djokovic and requested the 22-year-old Italian if he was considering “how it could look to be No. 1.”
“No,” Sinner responded.
“For the time being, truthfully I am not considering. I simply attempt to get again the place I wish to be, as I stated, making an attempt to construct confidence daily. On daily basis for me, each shot I make or in apply session or in a match for me is necessary at this second.
“I am simply wanting ahead to compete. I imply, I like the competitors. We will apply loads, however with out competitors, it is not a lot enjoyable.
“I do know the situations, sure, nevertheless it’s not about this for the time being. For positive it is a dream, sure, however in one other manner, I am very relaxed. If it occurs, it is nice and I am very joyful. If not, I’m very younger nonetheless. You already know, hopefully I can get to that time, and I am simply wanting ahead to compete once more in two days and we’ll see how I really feel there on courtroom.”
Sinner addresses his bodily situation and form
After beating Karen Khachanov on April thirtieth, the next day Sinner pulled out of his Madrid quarterfinal versus Felix Auger-Aliassime as a result of a hip damage that evidently bothered him in opposition to Khachanov. Then, Sinner additionally withdrew from Rome and there have been additionally experiences indicating that the Italian tennis star wouldn’t compete at Roland Garros.
However Sinner got here to Paris final week to check hello hip – and after a few days of excellent apply – he determined to play. After additionally taking part in his opening match, Sinner confirmed his hip felt effective however admitted that his situation nonetheless is not the place it must be.
“I got here right here and stated if I performed a first-round match, I’d solely play if the hip is one hundred pc, and the hip appears good. I’m very joyful about that,” Sinner stated.
“The final form…just isn’t the place I wish to be, nevertheless it takes time. I had an extended interval with out apply. It’s all regular in my thoughts. I do know that I’ll battle, however within the different manner, I’m joyful to be right here. At this time was an excellent day for me after which we see what I can do within the subsequent spherical.”
Within the French Open second spherical, Sinner will tackle Richard Gasquet, in opposition to whom he has a 2-0 head-to-head.
What Djokovic stated about the opportunity of Sinner changing him at No. 1?
Djokovic – who entered his 427th week on the world No. 1 spot this Monday – has been the top-ranked participant on the earth with none adjustments since profitable his twenty fourth Grand Slam title on the US Open. However now 9 months later, Djokovic is in actual hazard of being changed by Sinner on the high spot.
Nonetheless, when requested about it earlier than the beginning of the French Open, Djokovic insisted he wasn’t bothered by that and that his focus was on profitable Grand Slams and doing nicely for Serbia in group competitions.
“At Slams, there’s nonetheless a whole lot of motivation. At different tournaments not a lot, however Slams, taking part in for Serbia, Olympics… These sorts of issues nonetheless transfer me, nonetheless give me power and need. I imply, that basically is ample at this level in my profession, that’s why I nonetheless play professionally,” Djokovic stated.
“Rating just isn’t my precedence anymore – whether or not I add one, 5 or ten extra weeks, it doesn’t concern me, I believe I’ve carried out fairly nicely in that division (smiling).”