“My expectations are going to be higher” – Sinner ready for US Open after Toronto success

It took three attempts for Jannik Sinner to win a Masters 1000 title, but the Italian did so in style this Sunday with a 6-4, 6-1 defeat of Alex De Minaur at the Toronto Masters.

In many ways the draw opened up for Sinner, who was the only member of the top 10 to make the quarter-finals in Toronto. However, the 22-year-old still had to get the job done, which is exactly what he did in his one hour 29 minute win over De Minaur.

Following the victory, Sinner has declared that his expectations for himself will now be higher, and that his confidence has increased heading into the US Open in late August.

Sinner feeling confident about the future

Between lifting his first Masters 1000 trophy, and jumping on a plane to Cincinnati, Jannik Sinner took the time to share with media his thoughts on the Toronto Masters final.

“For sure it feels amazing,” the 22-year-old declared. So very happy about the whole tournament. It’s a really good and great moment in my career.”

The Italian specifically revealed that this win has given him a boost ahead of the US Open, where he was already among one of the favourites to win.

“Yea, for sure, it’s a good confidence boost, no? Especially going into the US Open,” said Sinner of his Toronto win.

“I feel like for sure the confidence is going to be a little bit higher, but also my expectations are going to be higher.

“When I came here, I knew that I can play very, very good. So this is, as I said, a great result, and then we’ll see how it goes in the future.”

The win in Toronto sees Sinner move to a career-high world No 6, and is the most significant title of his career, with the 22-year-old claiming six ATP 250 titles and one ATP 500 crown to date.

Fun, balance and Darren Cahill all crucial for Sinner

At 22 years old, Jannik Sinner is still a work in progress.

However, for such a talented player, the fact that until Wimbledon he had not made a Grand Slam semi-final, and until Toronto, had not won a Masters 1000 title, was beginning to be an elephant in the room.

Recent months have seen Sinner mature even more, knocking off both these milestones. The Italian credits a little bit of fun, the influence of Darren Cahill, and a balanced approach to life as part of his success.

“You know, it’s also important to make some fun games during the practice,” said Sinner, who was seen making Cahill do press ups during training this week.

“Off court, trying to do something different, maybe a different restaurant, just to change up a little bit. Because if not, if you do always the same thing, it’s quite heavy, no?

“When I practice, I’m very focused, you know, trying to get better. But, obviously, the fun moments are also important,” explained Sinner.

“I feel like that I have improved in this kind of view that I can enjoy myself a little bit better but being also focused to practice good.”

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