Jannik Sinner repeats a key concept after victory
Jannik Sinner spoke after his winning debut in Rome against Sebastian Ofner: the Azzurro won in two sets 6-3, 6-4 without any particular fuss in front of a cheering crowd: “For us Italians, this is always one of the most important tournaments of the year. I am happy to be here, in Italy, it is a joy for an Italian. Every year when you come back you reflect on what you did one year after another.”
The Azzurro then returns to insist on the level to be raised: “The first matches are always more complicated, I am happy to be here and the goal is to go as far as possible. Now there is to raise the level.”
The victory also carries with it historical significance: it is Sinner’s 29th consecutive Masters 1000 victory, an achievement that allows him to equal Roger Federer’s record. Ahead of him on the all-time list of winning streaks in this category of tournaments is now only Novak Djokovic. With four overall successes at the Foro Italico, the world number one would surpass the Serbian’s all-time record, which stands at 31.
The evening at the Centrale was also eventful from the stands, where the match was interrupted twice in the second set due to as many spectators in the stands falling ill. In both instances, medical personnel intervened promptly and the fans walked out of the facility on their own legs to the applause of the audience. Sinner resumed play without fuss, closing out the match with his usual coolness.
On the stands of the Centrale, there was no shortage of familiar faces: among the special audience were comedian and showman Rosario Fiorello, Federtennis president Angelo Binaghi, former world champion soccer player Marco Tardelli, and singer Brunori Sas. Before the match, Sinner had met with famous star Andrea Bocelli.
