Jannik Sinner has admitted it will be a challenging week in Madrid as he bids to win his first Mutua Madrid Open title.
The Italian enters the week in Spain having regained the world number one ranking in Monte-Carlo after defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
However, Sinner won’t have to worry about Alcaraz this week after the Spaniard injured his wrist in Barcelona.
Speaking about Alcaraz’s absence Sinner said it will make a big difference and hopes it will be a good tournament without the Spaniard, “I talked with him. It’s a very big pity to not have him here and also Novak, the two biggest stars in tennis,” Sinner told the ATP website.
“So we still hope it’s going to be a good tournament, but of course, not seeing them, it makes a big difference.”
The Italian has great admiration for Alcaraz with two having a great friendship off the court as well as a great rivalry on the court.
Ahead of his campaign in Madrid, Sinner will hope that will lead to having good support from the Spanish crowd, “I think people and fans are very passionate here and this is something that’s important for us players to see,” Sinner stated.
“When we see a good connection with the crowd, it makes it very special to play. And I do believe that I have a good relationship with Spain, also because of Carlos. We have a good friendship off the court and I think people can recognise this in a nice and positive way.”
The Italian will hope the crowd have a positive effect on him as he aims to win a first title at the Mutua Madrid Open.
However, Sinner has admitted that it will be a challenging week and is trying to look on the positives with conditions proving tricky in Spain, “I think here it’s a very unique playing style. It’s very high altitude and it can be windy at times, so it’s very difficult to play,” Sinner analysed.
“But I think every different kind of clay court can help me as I am trying to improve as a player. Here, it might be one of the most challenging ones because of certain things and also depending on who you play… You have to adapt yourself. But I have never played very well here, so let’s see how it goes this year. But I’m very happy to be here.
“I always go day by day with tough challenges in front of me, starting from the first day against a qualifier, who’s already had a couple of rounds here. Then we’ll see. But I’m happy to be here. I’m just trying to figure out how to play on this surface here in Madrid.”
Sinner will face a qualifier or lucky loser in his first match in Madrid.
