“I haven’t changed because of the success” – Jannik Sinner on dreaming big

Jannik Sinner was quick to pay tribute to his friend and compatriot Lorenzo Sonego after beating him 6-0, 6-3 at the Madrid Masters – and said that extending his head-to-head record over him to 5-0 would have no impact on their relationship as pals or Davis Cup team-mates.

“I haven’t changed because of the success,” Sinner said in his press conference afterwards. “I don’t believe in these kind of things, because the way you are as a human being is much more important than all the rest, and I always try to surround myself with good people who give me something positive. I think that’s for me the most important.

“Then of course I dream, I dream big, I dream to win as many titles as possible. I made a lot of sacrifices going away from home when I was 14, and this is still in my mind. I’m working hard every day to become a better player day after day, which is the main goal.

“When you work hard, when you wake up in the morning with the goal of becoming better, this is very important. The hours you put in, you have to be very focused about the work. But then when you finish the work, you also need people around you who are good to you, give something positive to you, and I think you have to find the right balance which I’m trying to do.”

Sinner: The goal is to be in top form at Roland-Garros

The 22-year-old also gave some insight on his clay-court preparation – a side of his game that he says he is still getting to grips with.

“We came here quite early, so we tried to prepare in the best possible way. But in the other way, I’m working very hard in the gym physically. I have to accept a couple of things more while I play the match, but it’s in my mind. I know this. This is me trying to find a good rhythm here, and which the main goal is then be in top form in Roland Garros, no?

“I think this is the goal of all of us. So, yeah, I’m just happy to be here. I mean, last year I was not able to play here, so even more excited. Then we see how it goes this year.”

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