After his unexpected defeat to Jakub Mensik in Doha, Jannik Sinner remained composed as he reflected on the loss and looked ahead to the rest of the season.
Mensik’s serving made the difference, particularly early on.
“In the first set he served very well, almost 90% of first serves in. It was difficult to return and in the third I suffered a hard break,” Sinner said. “I made a couple of too many errors, but it can happen. I’m a little disappointed with how I handled some moments, but it can happen.”
He pointed to the start of the deciding set as a turning point.
“I started badly in the third set, which was perhaps the key moment. There I made a few errors. I took that break there and after that I didn’t serve very well. Mensik played an excellent tie-break. Maybe I could have played the point at 4-3 better, but it’s easy to talk after the match.”
Despite the result, Sinner made it clear he is not concerned about his level.
“Every player faces ups and downs. I’ve had two incredible years and now I’m having a little downturn, but it’s not something that worries me. I know I can play better tennis.”
He added:
“It’s normal to go through some tough times; I’ve had even tougher ones in the past. I know how to come back.”
Looking ahead to the season, Sinner identified his main objective.
“One of my biggest goals will be Roland Garros, but that goal is still far away. I also have to remember what I’ve done in the last three years, where I’ve won a lot of matches and lost very few. The confidence to play good tennis is there.”
On suggestions of fatigue, he responded calmly.
“I wouldn’t call this ‘fatigue’ yet. I’ve only lost a couple of matches.”
Sinner confirmed he is feeling physically fine.
“I felt good, I didn’t suffer from the humidity. We’re working physically. I had some problems after Australia, but now I feel pretty good again. Everything is fine. I’m not worrying about anything at the moment.”
Indian Wells is next, followed by Miami, and then the clay season with Roland Garros firmly in his sights
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