Bhubaneshwar – World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is heading into the China Open in Beijing having spent time “reflecting a lot” on his game following his recent defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in the US Open final. The 24-year-old Italian, who lost the title to the Spaniard this month and ceded the world number one ranking, is now implementing changes to become a more unpredictable player.
Adjustments to Rivalry and Play
Sinner confirmed he is working on specific areas of his game ahead of his return to action in Beijing, where he was also beaten by Alcaraz in a thrilling final last year.
“We’ve been reflecting a lot,” Sinner said (Reuters).
The former four-time Grand Slam winner noted that his team is focusing on small, tactical adjustments, though he chose not to elaborate on the details.
“We are changing a lot of small things where I’m thinking of now,” he added (Reuters).
Sinner cautioned that these alterations might come with some initial growing pains as he integrates them into his match play against Marin Cilic on Thursday.
“The amount of mistakes at the moment is for sure a little bit higher, but I hope that this after recovers in a very positive way,” he stated (Reuters).
Responding to the “Sincaraz” Rivalry Critique
The burgeoning rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz is widely considered the biggest in men’s tennis, but the legendary Roger Federer recently suggested that tournament directors need to introduce more variety in court surfaces to intensify competition.
Sinner was asked about Federer’s comments, which implied that generally slower courts might be giving a “helping hand” to him and Alcaraz. The Italian agreed with the premise that court speeds often lack diversity on the tour.
“We have more or less similar game situations on the court, yes. This is how it is already since a long time,” Sinner acknowledged (Reuters).
He concluded that his focus remains simply on adapting to the conditions presented.
“I don’t know if there is going to be a change or not. I’m just a player who tries to adapt myself in the best possible way,” he said (Reuters).
Alcaraz will not be defending his crown in Beijing, as he is currently competing in Japan this week.
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