Jannik Sinner sets the record straight and overturns the classic cliché

Speaking at a press conference on the eve of his debut at the Internazionali d’Italia, Jannik Sinner wanted, among other things, to calmly but just as firmly reject the label of “robotic” player that is sometimes sewn onto him. In fact, the world number one tried to clarify an often misunderstood aspect of his personality: behind the iron discipline and absolute concentration there is a 25-year-old boy who knows how to have fun, who lives tennis with passion and who, away from the court, allows himself his space like anyone else.

“Of course I have fun,” he said, smiling, “but I am also doing everything to become the best tennis player I can for myself. The sacrifices are many, every day I choose to be a little stronger than the previous one: this has always been my mentality, the way I set my life. Then it’s clear that there are times when I take my space and do what I like, because at the end of the day you only live once: I’m 24 years old and it’s also right to have fun.”

“Maybe I show it a little less, but you don’t really know how I am off the field. Everyone has their own way to disconnect: these two days I played golf and soccer, that’s my fun. The main goal, however, was to rest,” added the Sesto Pusteria outfielder, who won his 15th consecutive Masters 1000 in Madrid.

Sinner then also spoke about the differences between him and Alcaraz, the big absentee at the Roman tournament (and not only, since he will not even play Roland Garros): “Carlos has extraordinary qualities, characteristics that no one else has today. You’ve seen it for a long time: when he reaches his peak, it’s almost impossible to keep up with him. I, on the other hand, am a very consistent player: I try to stay mentally present on every point and always give my best. Being number one, two, or three changes little, because each match is a story in itself.”

Regarding the Murcian’s absence in Rome and Paris, having also missed Madrid and before that the final part of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, Sinner maintained a realistic approach: “Carlos has been unlucky: if he were here, the situation would be different. I am happy with what I am doing, but I am looking ahead. There’s one more tournament to play and we’re starting from scratch.”