Jannik Sinner fires ominous warning to Novak Djokovic and his rivals after clay court opener
Jannik Sinner has been the player of the year in 2024 so far and the bad news for his rivals is he is already feeling confident on clay courts.
The Australian Open champion who claimed victory in dominant fashion at last month’s Miami Open has struggled to adapt to clay courts in the formative stages of his career, even though it was the surface he played on most growing up in Italy.
Yet he showed his remodelled game has plenty of potential to continue his sparkling run of form as he dispatched Sebastian Korda 6-1, 6-2 to reach the third round at the Monte Carlo Masters.
The manner of this performance suggested the adjustment time Sinner has claimed he will need to shine on the red dirt may not be as long as expected, as he confirmed after the match that he is already feeling comfortable sliding on the clay.
“I think it’s, I won’t say easier, but for sure the physicality, I have grown, and especially on this surface can help a lot,” he stated. “If you feel more confident, then stronger physically.
“I got a little bit faster to the point where I would like to be. For sure I’m not where I want to be, but for sure we are trying to build on, in the next days and in the next weeks, trying to feel more comfortable.
“I think me and Sebi have similar game styles, so we are not playing like the classic clay-court specialists, we like to play quite flat, but I moved quite well in these conditions.
“Every year it is tough to come here and perform well but I am happy with the performance. Let’s see what is coming in the next round, it is always great to be back here.”
This opening win edged Sinner closer to hanging on to the world No 2 rankings spot he secured by winning the Miami Open.
READ MORE: Has Novak Djokovic rediscovered his Monte Carlo mojo at the perfect time?
The 22-year-old has slipped down to No 3 in the live rankings as he is defending points from his run to the semi-finals of last year’s Monte Carlo Masters.
Now he is just two wins away from staying at No 2 in the ATP Rankings when they are updated next week, with his form in this opening match suggesting he will achieve that aim.
Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff will be Sinner’s opponent in the next round, with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev potential opponents in his half of the draw.
The tennis world will be hoping to see another match between Sinner and Novak Djokovic in the Final on Sunday, with the current world No 1 accepting Sinner is the player to watch in Monte Carlo.
“Jannik is the best player in the world this year so far. He has had tremendous success. He has improved a lot,” said Djokovic.
“Overall his game, his serve, his movement and mentally he is always there. In the important matches the difference of Jannik in the past six months and before that is he is winning the big matches.
“He learned from his experiences before and made himself a tougher player. More of a big-time player.
“I have no doubt that he can play well on clay and it will be interesting to see how he progresses this year.”
Victory for Sinner in Monte Carlo would not only secure him the world No 2 ranking for the foreseeable future, but it would also be another big step towards his mission of becoming Italy’s first world No 1.
