Sinner downplays the importance of being number 1: "I don't want to put extra pressure on myself"
The Italian, who made his debut with a resounding victory against Humbert in Montecarlo, ensures that it is more important to "improve on this surface on which I haven't won anything yet."
Jannik Sinner returns to the circuit as he left it two weeks ago, with a victory. The Italian seems to have not felt the slightest change from hard court to clay because in his debut at the Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo, he crushed Ugo Humbert (6-3, 6-0) and took another step towards regaining the world number one spot.
However, regaining the world crown, now in the hands of Carlos Alcaraz, is not something that concerns the Italian. The San Candido native currently has other priorities more important than reclaiming the number one spot. For instance, winning his first Masters 1000 title on clay.
This was confirmed by the 24-year-old tennis player in the press conference following his victory, where he discussed his new position on the court as well as the difficulty of executing shots effectively. He also spoke about his great performance against Humbert and his priorities during this clay court season.
Jannik Sinner spoke after debuting in a very promising clay court season for his interests
"It's difficult to rate the debut, but I think for the first match on clay, it was a very solid performance. There are some things we need to improve, that's for sure. We also have to consider that Ugo is a very different player from others: he's left-handed, plays quite flat with the backhand, and is different."
"But I think it was a good start. Tomorrow I have a day off, which is positive. Maybe we will play doubles. And I hope to showcase good tennis on Wednesday. I'm happy to be able to play at least one more match here and also, mentally, knowing that after this tournament I will have some free time to rest and then prepare for Madrid."
No longer using the 'angular' position when returning on clay
"Last year I clearly had more time to prepare for the clay season. So now we try to keep it a bit simpler. It doesn't mean I will keep it that way throughout the clay court season."
"That position gives you a bit more transition, a bit more movement before executing the return. But right now we haven't had that conversation yet. I think for now we try to keep it as simple as possible, considering the limited preparation time. Then we'll see."
About how difficult and important it is to execute an overhead shot
"I had problems when I was younger. I missed a lot. It's part of the process; you also need to train this shot. It depends a lot on what you see. If it's very sunny, with no clouds, it changes a lot. I find it easier to hit overhead shots when there are clouds because I have a better perception of the distance between the racket and the ball."
"I think it all depends on how much you practice it. It's an interesting shot because sometimes you feel very comfortable, you see the ball perfectly, and other times it's hard. We also try to practice it because in the end, it's an easier shot than a forehand or backhand, but still, you have to get to the point well first before smashing it."
Prioritizing other goals over the ATP number one ranking
"I don't have a greater motivation for the world number one spot. I came here feeling quite free. Regardless of the result, I don't want to put extra pressure on myself. Ultimately, the number one spot is important, but at the same time, it's more important for me to improve on this surface where I haven't won anything yet. Last year I came very close, but this is a new year with new feelings," stated Jannik Sinner, who faces a crucial clay court season for the progression of his year.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Sinner le resta importancia al número 1: "No me quiero poner una presión extra"