Jannik Sinner lost in the quarter-finals of the 2024 Canadian Open in Montreal, but what was more worrying was his physical state.
The Italian faced Andrey Rublev in the quarter-final of the Canadian Open, and it was an exciting matchup. The World No. 1 player had just returned to tennis after battling tonsilitis and immediately played high-level tennis.
He was favored against the Russian, who had a preparation event ahead of this one, but the Russian was able to overcome his opponent and beat Sinner in three sets. It was a sharp match by Rublev, who used his chances when he had them.
Sinner also missed a few chances, which swung the match in Rublev's favor, but he also has struggled with health issues. Sinner is not the most healthy player, as he often has these minor issues.
After the match, he explained that the problem had to do with him having to play two matches in one day, which was a bit tough on his body, and he felt a bit sore.
"It's a very simple explanation. It wasn't bad for some time, and you know, today playing two matches in one day for sure it was tough for everyone because it's not what we go used to every day."
"But, you know, he also was tired. He broke me first, which then the momentum has changed. I had break points in the first game with a little bit of tension, and it can happen."
Still, Sinner refused to blame the loss on that issue. He lost because he was outplayed by the other player. The 22-year-old also explained that his fatigue wasn't really physical but more so mental.
His body felt fine after the match, but it was difficult to challenge himself mentally after being away for a few weeks. Ultimately, not winning the Canadian Open isn't that devastating for Sinner, even though he was the defending champion.
As is everybody else, he's aiming for the US Open, and these events, while important, are mostly there to fine-tune his game for the major. The first event back from physical issues rarely goes well, and he has played much better than well, which is a very positive sign.
"Yeah, it's all okay. You know, I think these kind of things are a bit more mentally than the physical for sure. Even if I know that my body is not as strained as I would like to because of last week, but it was also mentally for sure."
"Yeah, let's hope to get back in shape. Obviously now making miracles in the next five days, it's not possible, but being ready for Cincinnati and 100% I don't think is possible, but then for US Open for sure I want to be back, which is also the main event for the U.S. swing, last Grand Slam of the year. So I'm aiming for that."
0 Comments