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Jannik Sinner is one of the tennis players to beat at the BNP Paribas Open. His exceptional start to 2024, with triumphs at the Australian Open and Rotterdam, underlined – if any more were needed – how he is currently the best on hard-courts, indoors and outdoors.
Sinner spoke on the media day before the tournament and discussed many topics, not least that relating to the use of social media. The young Italian has reiterated several times that he does not use them often.
“I use social media very little, I’m not often in Italy, but I still feel the affection of the fans. But the most important thing remains work: I’m obsessed with work, if I don’t work I feel bad ,” he explained.
Very mature statements that express a great distance from the social world. Jannik lives outside the world of social media and is dedicated only to work and training. To try to win even more, and as soon as possible.
The Italian athlete arrived in California undefeated after victories in Melbourne and Rotterdam and there is great anticipation to see how he will go on the Californian hard-courts of Indian Wells, where he could try to overtake his friend/rival in the ATP ranking (and current ATP No.2) Carlos Alcaraz.
The Spaniard defends the title and therefore it will not be easy for him to defend his ranking position, especially given his recent performances (without underestimating the ankle injury suffered in Rio de Janeiro).
Sinner will challenge Australian tennis player Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open.
Not an easy draw for him who could catch Jan-Lennard Struff or Borna Coric in the third round and then, possibly, Ben Shelton, a young American talent, idol of the US crowd, who beat him in the clash in Shanghai last year.
The Wonder kid Jannik Sinner has arrived in Indian Wells 🌴pic.twitter.com/1VWMPIfQr0
— We Are Tennis (@WeAreTennis) February 29, 2024
Sinner recalls the roots of the growth of Italian tennis
When he was asked – during the Media Day of the BNP Paribas Open, to identify the basis of his personal growth and that of Italian tennis, Sinner mentioned the two Slams won by Francesca Schiavone at the Roland Garros 2010 and by Flavia Pennetta at the US Open 2015. Sinner also recalled the fantastic journey experienced by Fabio Fognini at the Monte Carlos Rolex Masters, now five years ago and, obviously, the final reached by Matteo Berrettini at Wimbledon.
“It started years ago, with Francesca Schiavone and Flavia Pennetta. Then with Fabio Fognini who won an ATP Masters 1000 in Monte Carlo and Matteo Berrettini, who reached the final of a Slam at Wimbledon.
We have many great players and for me it’s nice and fun to be part of this group where everyone tries to push the others, to offer a different vision of things. Sometimes it really matters and I feel lucky to be in this position. I hope I can help others in some way too,” Sinner explained.
Jannik has reiterated on more than one occasion his desire to work hard to continue improving tournament after tournament.
“I am convinced that I still have a lot to learn and this is the most fun part. With my team we are quite open to the idea of working during tournaments too. We worked a lot from a physical point of view and on the pitch to add more variations. I have to prepare to face players who now know me better. It will be a good challenge,” he told.
Regarding his goals, the young Italian analyzed: “I think tennis is a beautiful sport because it always allows you to set new goals. No matter what title you win, the following week represents a good opportunity to do something great again. In my mind I know there are important points up for grabs to have a better ranking.
This type of motivation pushes me even more, but my goal remains to become a better player week after week. Regardless of the results, we work towards this and I hope to give 100% in every aspect.”
The 22-year-old also returned to talk about the epic victory obtained at the Australian Open, and he did so by once again showing the mentality of a true champion.
“It didn’t take me long to reset. I had to do a couple of things in Rome, but while I was there I immediately went back to the gym to work. I think and always believe that you live for moments. It was a positive and special moment.
But then afterwards you have to do it all over again: wake up in the morning and work again. Maybe I have a slightly different point of view on how to celebrate this kind of thing. Obviously, we had fun for a day,” he told.
Jannik Sinner è a Indian Wells! 👀🔥
Il campione dell’Australian Open scambia col direttore del torneo ed ex numero 2 del mondo Tommy Haas. pic.twitter.com/l2p8fxiY5P
— Quindici Zero 🎾 (@quindicizero) February 29, 2024