Match Preview
Sinner on Djokovic-Alcaraz Olympic conflict: ‘We do not see this stage every single day’
World No. 1 defends Canadian ATP Masters 1000 crown this week in Montreal
August 05, 2024
Andrew Eichenholz/ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner practises in Montreal forward of the Omnium Banque Nationwide présenté par Rogers.
By ATP Employees
Jannik Sinner could also be in Montreal specializing in preparations for this week’s Omnium Banque Nationwide présenté par Rogers, however that didn’t cease the World No. 1 from taking a while on Sunday to tune into one of the crucial gripping finals in Olympic Tennis Occasion historical past.
Regardless of his disappointment at lacking Paris 2024 on account of tonsilitis, Sinner joined thousands and thousands of followers world wide in having fun with the newest Lexus ATP Head2Head conflict between two of his greatest rivals, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.
“It was a really high-level match, I believe everybody agrees with that,” mentioned Sinner on Monday, when requested for his key takeaways from Djokovic’s victory after two tie-break units. “It was a really bodily match. When two of one of the best gamers on the earth face one another in the meanwhile, they produce one thing very particular, so it was a pleasure to observe this sort of match and I believe everybody actually loved. We do not see this stage every single day, so it was a tremendous match.”
As a 14-time tour-level champion, Sinner has develop into more and more accustomed to the sensation of clinching a title. The 22-year-old ended his await a maiden Grand Slam title at January’s Australian Open, however he was fast to recognise the distinctive circumstances of Djokovic’s Olympic gold, a prize that had till Sunday eluded the Serbian throughout a profession spanning almost 20 years.
“After all I perceive [his reaction], however I believe he understands it greater than anybody else,” mentioned Sinner, when requested about Djokovic’s extremely emotional celebrations after clinching the Profession ‘Golden Slam’ in Paris. “He tried so laborious to get this medal, which was the very last thing he wanted to perform. He knew this in his thoughts.
“He was shut couple of instances, making bronze or fourth a few instances. This yr was his yr, and it was only a very good scene, to see how a lot this implies to him. Additionally, the response of Carlos after. It’s the identical response, however the reverse manner. We work for these sorts of issues, success. Clearly, Novak has many extra years of expectations additionally. It is very good to see.”
Occasions in Paris haven’t distracted Sinner from his personal job at hand — defending the Omnium Banque Nationwide présenté par Rogers title he gained in Toronto in 2023. Sinner confirmed he’s absolutely recovered from his current sickness as he prepares for an opening-round towards Pedro Martinez or a qualifier.
“It feels nice. I arrived right here fairly early,” mentioned Sinner. “Firstly, to eliminate the jetlag. Secondly, to recuperate right here from the final a part of what I had. For certain the primary couple of days have been very gradual days, with not a variety of practise, making an attempt to get the physique used to it once more. Now I’m practising actually laborious once more. I really feel my physique combating. Truthfully, it’s actually good and I’m able to compete once more.”
“It is some time for the reason that final match I performed at Wimbledon. So, let’s examine. I am very excited to be right here and hopefully I can present some good tennis.”
We’re in Canada this week 🇨🇦
This is all it is advisable to know in regards to the sixth ATP Masters 1000 match of the yr! 👇
@emirates | #ATPScoutingReport | #associate— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 5, 2024
With Alcaraz not competing in Montreal, Sinner has the chance to increase his lead from the second-placed Spaniard within the PIF ATP Stay Race To Turin. He’s wanting ahead to competing on laborious courts for the primary time since March in Miami, the place he surged to his second Masters 1000 crown.
“It’s for certain my favorite floor, however each state of affairs is totally different,” mentioned Sinner, when requested about his 22-1 tour-level document on laborious courts this yr. “Right here, for instance, the ball is flying rather a lot, so you must really feel the ball a bit bit extra and simply attempt to play with mindset towards each opponent that you must face.
“[I will take it] daily. Tomorrow, I play doubles [with Jack Draper], which is an efficient begin for me to organize the very best manner, after which the singles.”