World No. 2 Jannik Sinner has returned to the Italian Open in Rome in his highly anticipated comeback. However, the 22-year-old is being careful and humble about what to expect before the tournament.
Speaking with reporters immediately after his arrival, Sinner set the record straight that he’s not putting much pressure on himself this time around. “It’s a very, very low expectation tournament in general for me,” he acknowledged. “Results-wise, I don’t know. For me, what’s lacking is the full feedback of where my level is.”
Sinner, who has been lately dealing with injury issues, stressed that his priority is more to gauge his form rather than pursuing quick results. “That’s gonna come slow with time and with matches. After the first-round match, I’ll have a better picture of where I’m at.”
Jannik Sinner Opens Up on Reconnecting with Other Players
The Italian star also mentioned that he had arrived in Rome only a few minutes less than one hour before his conversation with the media. “I just came 45 minutes ago,” Sinner mentioned. “I haven’t seen so many [players]. I was going down, talking with some players. It’s all fine right now, but I haven’t seen most of them yet.”
In spite of the chaotic atmosphere and whirlwind of attention following his comeback, Sinner appeared calm. “It’s an odd sensation in the start to have so many people and so much attention around. But it’s nice to be back.”
Though expectations are perhaps muted, the atmosphere in Sinner’s camp is optimistic. “Me and my team are very happy,” he summed up, crediting the support group that has carried him through a grueling phase.
While his hometown fans support him for the opening match, everyone will watch with great interest as the young Italian manages to cope with the court as well as the public in Rome. His play not only determines his script but can also lay the ground rules for the clay season run for him.
