Jannik Sinner admits ‘sometimes it’s not easy’ as he weighs in on scheduling debate
Jannik Sinner has claimed that players can still “choose” what events they play amid ongoing scheduling criticism – though admits it is not always “easy” to manage a lengthy season.
Criticism of the tennis calendar has grown in recent months, with several players voicing their concerns about the demands on players.
At the Laver Cup this weekend, world No 2 Alexander Zverev and world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz revealed their worries about the tennis calendar, while WTA world No 1 Iga Swiatek has also been a vocal scheduling critic.
Speaking ahead of the China Open in Beijing, where he is the defending champion, Sinner offered his assessment of the debate.
“The schedule is quite long these years. But as players, we can still choose what to play and what not to play,” said Sinner.
“Obviously we have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose.
“It is a very busy schedule this year, there are a lot of tournaments. [But] you don’t have to play in a tournament. If you want, you can play. If not, you don’t play.
“For example last year and also this year, I didn’t play some tournaments because I wanted to practice. There are some choices behind this.
“In general, yeah, the season is quite long, so sometimes it’s not easy.”
ATP Tour News
Carlos Alcaraz makes ‘kill us’ comment as he reveals motivation issues
Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev to lift the title twelve months ago, a run that kickstarted his surge to the top of the game.
The Italian would go on to win the Vienna Open, reach the ATP Finals final, and help Italy to the Davis Cup final towards the end of 2023, before becoming a two-time Grand Slam champion and world No 1 in 2024.
One year on from his epic rise, the 23-year-old revealed that he is not resting on any laurels, and is still trying to find ways to improve.
“I think I always try to improve,” he added.
“[It] doesn’t really matter the result I have, what I managed to achieve, I always try to understand myself and what I have to improve off the court and on the court, all these things.
“I’m excited to be back and play tournaments because this is what I practice for. Even in the practice sessions, I always try to understand what’s working and what’s not working.
“Obviously we found out that we have some areas where I have to improve. It’s all part of the process that I have. I think this is the most exciting part.”
Sinner begins his campaign in Beijing against Nicolas Jarry, with world No 3 and second seed Alcaraz as his projected final opponent.
Read Next: China Open draw – Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz discover paths to blockbuster final
