Croatia’s Borna Coric says his upcoming clash with world No.1 Jannik Sinner will be an opportunity for him to see where his level currently is.
The former top 20 player came through two rounds of qualifying to reach the main draw of the Canadian Masters in Montreal. He continued his winning run on Wednesday by defeating Spain’s Pedro Martínez 6-4, 6-4. It is the first time he has won three matches in a row since reaching the final of the Montpellier in February.
Coric has experienced a lackluster season so far, especially on the clay where he only managed to record two wins on the surface. Before this week, he hadn’t won back-to-back matches at 13 consecutive tournaments. Resulting in him dropping down to 94th in the world which is his lowest ranking since August 2022.
“I had the worst season on clay so far in my whole life,” Coric said after beating Martinez. “I’m not sure why. There’s a couple of things that can lead up to it. Not a great season so far, didn’t do many points but working hard to get the best out of it.”
The 27-year-old has been ranked as high as 12th in the world and has won three ATP titles, including the Cincinnati Masters two years ago. In recent years his progress has been hampered by an elbow injury but he is now fully recovered from that issue. So far in his career, he has registered 19 wins over top 10 players.
Coric’s next test will be a clash with Sinner, who is playing in his first tournament since Wimbledon. The Italian was forced to withdraw from the Olympic Games due to tonsillitis.
“For sure, it’s a great excitement,” he said of playing the reigning Australian Open champion on Thursday.
“It’s going to be a very good test to see where I am at. Obviously, he is the big favourite and playing unbelievable tennis this year.
“But I always like a good challenge. It’s going to be very fun for sure. I’m happy with my level of tennis so far here, so hopefully it can be a good match.”
Coric has beaten a top 20 player twice this year but one of those victories was via retirement. He beat Alexander Bubulik 6-1, 6-1, in Monte Carlo. Meanwhile, in Montpellier, he was leading Holger Rune 6-3, 4-1, before the Dane retired injured.
The last player to beat Sinner whilst ranked outside the top 90 was Mikhail Ymer in 2022 during a Davis Cup tie.
