Jannik Sinner has admitted he feels physically good ahead of the second week at Roland Garros.
The Italian defeated Pavel Kotov 6-4 6-4 6-4 to reach the last 16 for the fourth time at Roland Garros.
There were concerns heading into the tournament that Sinner’s hip wouldn’t hold up but so far that hasn’t been the case as he is into the fourth round.
Speaking after the match Sinner was very pleased with his performance, “For sure I’m happy to be in the next round. It was a tough match,” Sinner stated in his press conference.
“He’s a very, very good player. I played against him not so long ago, so he changed a couple of things. I was happy to get through, and let’s see what I can do in the next round.”
So far Sinner is yet to drop a set at Roland Garros as this week is a big week for the Australian Open champion as he could become the new world number one by the end of the second week.
At the moment the Italian’s hip injury that he suffered in Madrid has held up and Sinner is optimistic that he can sustain this level throughout the tournament, “No, I feel good. The hip at the moment feels good, which I’m very, very proud,” Sinner explained in his press conference.
“Me and my team, we made a very good job to be in the position to play here. As I said, the general physical shape is not where I want to be. We try to prepare my body in the best possible way. The weather today was also different.
“It was very cold, so it’s also different to play. The balls and the court are very heavy. But, you know, these are situations you have to go through, you have to accept, and I’m trying to look forward.”
Looking forward for Sinner involves talking about his potential next opponent which will be either Sebastian Ofner or Corentin Moutet.
The Italian said that he will try to be physically ready no matter who it is, “I played once against him in challenger in Ortisei,” Sinner said when talking about Ofner.
“Let’s see who wins today, they still have to play. Usually I don’t watch too far in the draws, especially in the position where I am now. We go day by day. Tomorrow is a very important day for me. We can practice. We can give me some rhythm on the court.
“If it’s Moutet, it’s different. He is a lefty, moving very well, French, which is here different to play. So whoever wins, I try to be ready physically and tennis-wise. Yeah, then we see how it goes.”
Whoever it is it will be a first official head-to-head meeting between Sinner and his opponent.
