There are numerous adversaries who can pose a challenge for him: Jannik Sinner is conscious of this fact and is putting in the effort to be prepared, even when things are not going smoothly.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, the winner of the Australian Open discussed the psychological aspect of tennis. Alongside the opponent on the court, one often finds themselves having to contend with their own inner struggles as well.
“It is indeed true: at times, we can become our own worst enemy. However, more often than not, we are the ones who can truly assist ourselves. Ultimately, a player only has control over their own actions. We cannot dictate the wind, the sun, or even the opponent’s performance when they are at their best: these are variables that we must accept. The way I am, I fear my opponent more,” he expressed.
When asked about his most formidable adversaries, Jannik mentioned these tennis players: “Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev are displaying exceptional form. Carlos Alcaraz has already claimed two Grand Slam titles and is two years younger than me. And then there is Novak Djokovic. Nole is Nole.”
Sinner acknowledges that there will be more challenging moments in which everything will not go according to plan. With his well-known humility, he has taken these moments into consideration and is working towards facing them head-on when they arise.
“I can handle certain moments of difficulty even better, as there is still much I can learn from my mistakes. I am currently playing well, but there will be slightly more arduous moments ahead: it is crucial to prepare now in order to confront them with readiness,” he analyzed.
Sinner is currently the tennis sensation of the moment: from Wimbledon 2023 to Rotterdam 2024, the young Italian has demonstrated remarkable progress from a technical, physical, and mental standpoint.
The recent performances, which continue to impress, lead us to believe this, but Jannik is aware that each tournament is distinct, and every time requires the same mental approach, determination, and enthusiasm.
“I am ranked number 4 (now 3 – ed.) in the world. For now. It is certainly a commendable achievement, but I still have work to do and must prepare for everything, as my opponents now know me well, including my weaknesses. Let’s just say, I am one of the players to beat,” he recently stated.
According to the Source tennisworldusa.org