Sinner ready for Rune rematch in Monte-Carlo: “I know I have to raise my level”

The Italian will be out for revenge after losing to Rune in the semi-finals last year

Antoine Couvercelle / Panoramic

April 11, 2024

You would hardly know it from watching him in Monte-Carlo so far this week but Jannik Sinner says he’ll need to raise his level if he’s to reach the weekend at the first clay-court Masters 1000 of the year.

The Australian Open champion took care of business without too much fuss against Jan-Lennard Struff on Thursday to reach the last eight and looks in good shape as he prepares to face Holger Rune.

3 – Jannik Sinner is the third player to make the quarter-finals in each of the first four seasonal Grand Slam or Masters 1000 events before turning 23, after Rafael Nadal (2007, 2008 and 2009) and Novak Djokovic (2009). Champ. #RolexMonteCarloMasters | @ROLEXMCMASTERS @atptour pic.twitter.com/vx8cwKmPcw
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) April 11, 2024

Rune beat Sinner in the semi-finals in Monte-Carlo last year but the Italian is now a Grand Slam champion and has won 24 of his 25 matches so far this year. Nevertheless, he knows he needs to move through the gears when they meet on Friday.

“It’s going to be a tough match, much more physical,” Sinner said comparing it to his win over Sonego. “I know in my mind that I have to raise my level, so I’m trying to be a little bit more aggressive.

“I’m very excited for tomorrow. The atmosphere like today’s is amazing to be part of, and we all hope for a good match.”

Spicy contest in 2023

Last year’s encounter between the two men was a little spicy, and Sinner said he is sure he’s matured since that point.

“I think I learned from that point a little bit,” he said. “From every loss I try to learn couple of things. It’s going to be a very interesting match tomorrow. I just try to stay focused on my side, and then we see what’s coming.”