Jannik Sinner will begin his Wimbledon title defence under close watch after his French Open stumble, with concern not just about what his body can endure but how physical disruptions can feed into a game that leaves little room for doubt.
The warning signs surfaced in Paris, where Sinner’s campaign ended in a physically compromised second-round defeat, prompting the Italian to return to Milan for medical tests as questions about the toll of a relentless season grew.
Sinner has since adopted an unusual build-up to Wimbledon by
skipping traditional grasscourt tune-up tournaments in favour of
controlled training blocks, including work on hardcourts, as he
prioritises regaining fitness and rhythm.
“I took one week off and spent some time with my friends and
family, which was really important. After that, we went straight
back to practice, because there’s a big run coming up,” Sinner
told Vogue about Wimbledon and the U.S. hardcourt swing.
“We don’t have a lot of time to practice for that usually.
I’m always trying to see the positives in situations, and the
positive part of going out early of Roland Garros, though I’d
have liked to go deeper, is getting some extra time.
“We try to maximize every day, so there have been a lot of
long practice sessions, and I’m very happy with the shape and
mental state I’m in right now.”
The 24-year-old’s place at the top has been reinforced by
steady success this season, including ATP 1000 titles at Indian
Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, prompting top coach
Patrick Mouratoglou to dismiss concerns about his recent dip.
“I don’t think what happened at Roland Garros is going to
affect Jannik’s performance or Jannik’s confidence,” Mouratoglou
said on Instagram, also singling out Novak Djokovic and French
Open champion Alexander Zverev as leading contenders.
“Look at what he (Sinner) has done since January, it’s a
joke how many matches he won in a row. All those Masters 1000s.
To be the defending champion is always an extra pressure, but I
think he is really used to that kind of pressure.
“He’s the huge favourite, and I think he’s in the best
position to win the title.”
However, former player Jeff Greenwald, author of “The Best
Tennis of Your Life” and a sports psychology consultant, said
physical limitations could become a major factor even for
someone like Sinner at the highest level.
“His team will be managing this with great scrutiny and
exhaust all measures to help him navigate this more
effectively,” Greenwald told Reuters.
“Five sets is gruelling and, like mental lapses, physical
lapses and fatigue will always play a role. Knowing you can go
the distance is essential at the highest level of the game.”
Gustavo Granitto, an International Tennis Federation coach
who is certified in the Gazing Red2Blue mindset framework used
by some professional athletes, backed Sinner to regain clarity
as he builds into the tournament at Wimbledon.
“I don’t think it’ll leave him undercooked,” Granitto said
about Sinner’s decision to skip warm-up events.
“I believe that since March, he’s put together a great
winning streak that may have drained a lot of his energy at a
critical moment, like Roland Garros.
“He’ll arrive at Wimbledon in good shape and mentally
recover after the break. I haven’t heard that he’s carrying any
injuries … he will find his rhythm, if he needs to.”
Source: Khaleej Times