Jannik Sinner says the pressure on him to shine at the French Open with the absence of Carlos Alcaraz is something he is taking in his stride.
The world No.1 is the standout favourite to win Roland Garros for the first time in his career. Sinner is currently on a 30-match winning streak after clinching five consecutive Masters 1000 titles this season, with two of those triumphs being on the clay.
Sinner’s latest victory was over wildcard Clement Tabur on Tuesday evening in Paris, who he dismissed 6-1, 6-3, 6-4 in just over two hours. Throughout the clash, he didn’t face a break point and won 40 out of 50 points behind his first serve. On top of this, he also hit 40 winners against 21 unforced errors.
“Starting off a tournament is always very special and playing the night session is very nice,” said Sinner.
“He’s a very good competitor, so I was looking forward to it. We had some really good rallies, so I was very happy about my level. First-round matches are never easy, so I’m very happy.”
The 24-year-old avoided playing in the blistering heat on Tuesday but is confident he can compete at any time of day. According to figures provided to the AFP news agency, 25 visitors to the tournament were treated for heat-related issues on Monday and another 15 on Tuesday morning. The heatwave is expected to continue into the weekend before cooling down next week.
“I handled the heat very well in Indian Wells. It was very hot this year, so I didn’t have issues there,” Sinner commented.
“Of course, it’s a different heat here (in Paris), but the humidity is not as tough as maybe in Australia or the U.S.
“Tomorrow (Wednesday) is a good day to get used to the heat, and we will see when I’m gonna play.“
Sinner still had six matches to win before becoming the first Italian man to win the French Open since Adriano Panatta did so 50 years ago. He came close to ending the drought last season when he reached the final and had three championship points. However, he lost to Alcaraz in the longest final in tournament history.
After coming so close to glory, Sinner’s thirst for the trophy would have intensified. Should he succeed this year, he will also achieve a career Grand Slam. As for the pressure on him, Sinner looks to the positive side.
“If you don’t feel the pressure, it means you don’t care,” he said.
“I do care a lot about what I’m trying to achieve on a tennis court, and at the same time, I know it’s not that the world is going down if I lose.
“I try to do my best. I’m a competitor. I try to put myself in the best possible position, and that’s it.”
Sinner will play Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round on Thursday.
