Jannik Sinner has insisted he is not taking anything for granted after sealing his place in the quarter-finals of the BNP Paribas Open.
The Italian world No.3 defeated Ben Shelton 7-6(4), 6-1, to continue his unbeaten start to the 2024 season. In his latest match, Sinner hit 16 winners against just six unforced errors and won 77% of his first service points to claim his 150th Tour-level hard court victory. Making him the first male player born since 2000 to have reached this milestone.
Sinner is currently on an 18-match winning streak with 15 of those victories occuring this year. He won his first major title at the Australian Open in January followed by the Rotterdam Open last month. Despite his surge in success, he has vowed not to get too far ahead of himself.
“I never take things for granted,” he said. “Every tournament, every match you go on court trying to do your best, trying to stay mentally focused. That’s what I try to do.’
“Every day there’s a different opponent. Today was not only a different opponent but a lefty who is serving incredibly well.
“I’m looking forward to this kind of challenge. The next match will also be a challenge.”
Jiri Lehecka will be the next test for Sinner. The Czech 32nd seed already has a duo of impressive scalps under his belt after knocking out Andrey Rublev in the second round and then Stefanos Tsitsipas in the third. Overall, he has produced 11 wins over top 20 opposition during his career with four of those occurring this year.
“He’s playing incredibly well. I have to be very focused from the first point, and hopefully, I can show some good tennis.” Sinner said of his upcoming opponent.
Besides chasing after another title in Indian Wells, the 22-year-old is also closing in on the world No.2 spot which is currently being held by defending champion Carlos Alcaraz. The two could clash in the semi-finals of the tournament with the winner of that match claiming the position. Otherwise, the other way Sinner can clinch the position is by either equalling or bettering his rival’s record at the event.
“Winning a Grand Slam, it’s an incredible feeling, nice feeling. I still have it in my mind. But in the other way, we are already months away. I’m playing here, and I have pressure on my shoulders. This is normal.” He commented.
“I also enjoy these kind of moments on the court. To be around fans and crowd, it’s a good feeling.”
Sinner is the fourth player this decade to have recorded nine consecutive wins over top 20 players. The other players to achieve this are Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev.
