Sinner brushes off injury concerns: “I only play if I feel 100 per cent”

Jannik Sinner assures the media that he is injury-free if not quite match-fit

Jannik Sinner at Roland-Garros in 2024 (Gepa/Panoramic)

Carrie Dunn

May 27, 2024

Roland Garros •First round • completed

See draw

C. EubanksvsJ. Sinner

Jannik Sinner began his Roland-Garros campaign with a decisive 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 win over Christopher Eubanks – and told reporters in the press conference afterwards that he had no concerns over his physical condition.

The world No 2 had missed both Barcelona and Rome, with some media reports questioning whether he would even make it to Paris, but he allayed any fears while admitting that he was a little way off his peak match fitness.

“I came here and said if I played a first-round match, I’d only play if the hip is 100 per cent, and the hip seems good. I’m very happy about that. The general shape…is not where I want to be, but it takes time. I had a long period without practice. It’s all normal in my mind. I know that I will struggle, but in the other way, I’m happy to be here.

“Today was a good day for me and then we see what I can do in the next round.”

Sinner: I’m relaxed about the rankings

And with that being the case, Sinner refused to be drawn too much either on his second-round opponent, Frenchman Richard Gasquet, or the prospect of becoming world No 1 depending on his results in Paris.

“Every day for me, every shot I make or in practice session or in match for me is important at this moment.

“I’m just looking forward to compete. I mean, I love the competition. We can practise a lot, but without competition, it’s not so much fun.

“I know the scenarios [to become world No 1], yes, but it’s not about this at the moment. For sure it’s a
dream, yes, but in another way, I’m very relaxed. If it happens, it’s great and I’m very happy. If not, you know, I am very young still. You know, hopefully I can get to that point, and I’m just looking forward to compete again in two days and we’ll see how I feel there on court.”