Despite the Dominant Win, Jannik Sinner Flags a Problem Ahead of Crucial Rome Clash- “Had This Drop”

“It’s a very, very low-expectation tournament in general for me,” said Jannik Sinner before kick-starting his campaign at the 2025 Italian Open. There were a lot of doubts about his performance in this tournament because he’s making a comeback to the Tour after serving a three-month ban. However, despite all these question marks, Sinner has not only won both of his matches here, but he has also won all four of his sets her has played in this tournament. With his recent 1 hour and 35 minutes triumph over the Dutchman, Jesper De Jong, Sinner has now also extended his winning streak to 23 matches and improved his record to 61-0 against players outside the Top 20 in the singles rankings since the start of the 2023 US Open. However, despite such a dominating performance, Sinner looked a bit concerned after the match. But why?

Jannik Sinner defeated De Jong by 6-4,6-2 in the R32, but after this match, the Italian admitted that he was a bit concerned by an alarming slump in form mid-way through his match. The world number one got off to a flying start in the first set with the scoreline 4-1, but shortly after that, the Dutchman pulled it back on level terms at 4-4. Sinner committed a few mistakes in the first set, but he managed to get things back on track in the second. However, after this win, the Italian admitted that this match was a completely different match from the first one, and he claimed even the conditions were a bit different.

In his post-match press conference, while sharing his thoughts about his performance, Sinner further added. “I felt like I started the match very well and then I had this drop. I tried to understand what was going on. Normally, this drop can be one and a half games, but today it was three games, but this is normal. It’s the second match I’ve played in three and a half months and this is a long time.” He further claimed, “I said every chance I have to play one more match is very positive and putting myself here that I can play the third match. It’s already very very good for me and my progress, and then we’ll see what’s coming.” Next up for him is Francisco Cerundolo! While sharing his thoughts about the next match, Jannik Sinner said, “Of course, I know I’ve to raise my level tomorrow. Let’s see what’s coming but I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a good test.”

Tennis – Madrid Open – Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain – April 30, 2024 Italy’s Jannik Sinner in action during his round of 16 match against Russia’s Karen Khachanov REUTERS/Violeta Santos Moura

Previously, while talking about the Argentine, we heard Alexander Zverev say, “I hate playing him, to be honest. I mean, I think outside of the top guys, like Jannik and Carlos, he’s probably the most difficult for me to play. Haven’t really figured out how to play him. Haven’t really figured out a way to beat him, which shows on the record.” 

Talking about Sinner’s record against Francisco Cerundolo, well, it’s on level terms at 2-2 at the moment. The last time (2023) they met each other in this tournament, Cerundolo won the R16 contest by 6(3)-7,6-2,6-2. This is Jannik Sinner’s last big warmup before Roland Garros, so he’ll be keen to get some more wins under his belt before taking his flight to Paris. What does the tennis world have to say about his comeback and his chances in the ongoing and upcoming events?

American tennis legend doesn’t look too optimistic about Jannik Sinner’s chances at the Italian Open

This is Jannik Sinner‘s sixth appearance in this tournament, but his best record at the Italian Open has been reaching the QF in 2022. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding his comeback in Italy. In the previous match, the crowd was heard singing his name, saying, “Vai Jannik” (Go Jannik). The last Italian man to win the Italian Open was Adriano Panatta in 1976. Can Sinner become the next one?

Well, his peers are already quite excited to have him on the Tour. For example, Carlos Alcaraz said, “As I said, yes, it’s great for me, for tennis, for the fans to have him around again, for him to be able to play a tournament again. We’re not on the same side of the draw. I hope I meet him in the final. But what I want to say is, I’m very happy to see him again, and his team.” Even Casper Ruud said that he’s “happy to see him back” and he is expecting Sinner to come out playing really well right from the start. Recently, America’s Tommy Paul also joined them saying it’s “good to have him back.” But does he have a chance of winning the Italian Open?

According to Andy Roddick, “You know, first rounds are always difficult, even if you’ve been playing regularly. It’s not going to be perfect from the word go, and if it is the first round, then it’s going to be a tough moment in the second round where it’s not like riding a bike for the first time in a long time, but I don’t know that it’s the expectation level that drops for anyone else. I just think there are more questions than there have been, surrounding him.” There has already been a lot of focus on him in Rome, but guess what?

Another former American tennis player, Steve Johnson, made an interesting prediction last month. He said, “I like Sinner’s chances to win the French after getting a tournament in Rome under his belt. I think he will win the French and accumulate the most points over clay..I bet he will come back and not miss a beat in the first couple of events season.“

Seeing his recent performances in Rome, do you think Jannik Sinner has a good chance of winning titles in these two iconic clay-court events? Share your thoughts in the comment box.

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