The Italian tennis player analyzed his victory at the Halle Open, the first title won on grass courts
“It’s different this year at Wimbledon. Now I have a week to prepare as best as possible, I’ll go there quite soon. I’ll rest a couple of days and then I’ll be ready. My level has definitely risen on grass in general. I serve better and this helps me a lot on this surface. I’m also trying to play more aggressively.”
Jannik Sinner won the 14th title of his career, the first on grass court but, as can be seen from his words expressed in the press interview after the match, his mind is already projected towards the Wimbledon Championships, after beating his friend Hubert Hurkacz in the Halle Open final. Jannik won his first title as soon as he became the new ATP No.1. This is a feat achieved in the Open Era by only seven other tennis players: Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Pete Sampras, Stefan Edberg, Mats Wilander, Bjorn Borg and Jimmy Connors.
“When you face a tennis player like Hubi, you play few important points and today, for example, there were two tie-breaks. I started both of them well: something that helps you serve better or in any case more freely. I tried to always be aggressive. It was easier to move around today because the grass was worn compared to the beginning of the tournament. Wimbledon is a different tournament than the others and we’ll see what I can do there. It’s always difficult to say who is the favorite in a Grand Slam tournament. I will try to do my best,” said Sinner at the press conference.
The young Italian then explained how being number 1 in the ATP ranking also means having to manage greater pressure.
“When you enter the court you know that everyone wants to beat you. Every match is very difficult, especially on grass. I always try to have fun. We play many matches and many tournaments: if you don’t have fun, it becomes very difficult.
There are times when I am very serious; others where I try to have fun. When you enter the pitch you know that everyone wants to beat you. Every match is very difficult, especially on grass. I am a very private person and I don’t let you write many things! I live my sporting life well and also my private one,” he told.
Yesterday was an important but disappointing day also for Anna Kalinskaya, who has been engaged to the Italian number for a few months. The Russian tennis player lost the final against Jessica Pegula, she came close to winning and gave in after having six match points.
“My girlfriend Anna Kalinskaya played in Berlin and lost in the final after having six match points, I’m really sorry for her who also had a crazy weekend,” explain Jannik.