Sinner: «As number 1 the pressure is different. On the pitch I try to have fun, otherwise it becomes difficult to manage everything” (Repubblica)

Jannik Sinner has just won his first title on grass, in Halle and now his mind is already on Wimbledon: where he will arrive as world number 1 and with confidence after this trophy. TO “Republic” the South Tyrolean tennis player talks about the victory and the expectations he has for Wimbledon.

Sinner, that hug with your dad struck us, it’s almost unprecedented.
«Yes, I didn’t expect my dad to come. He called me yesterday, after the semi-final, he told me: I’ll come up tomorrow. He got into the car
together with my uncle, his brother, so he didn’t make the trip alone, I hugged him too. He hit me, he doesn’t normally come to
watching my matches was a new emotion».

Was it different to play and win a tournament as world number one? Do you feel the pressure of having to defend your position?

«It was different, yes, the extra pressure is felt. Everyone wants to beat you every game you play because you’re number 1, but then
when you enter the pitch you don’t think about it, you only think about playing and winning. Here against Hurkacz it was difficult, it’s a hard surface
where there are few decisive points and it is important to win those. But in my opinion I played an excellent match».

Sinner: «Wimbledon? I can be more aggressive. I like this tournament, I will do my best”

It was the first on grass this season. How did he feel? Is he ready for Wimbledon?
«I can be a little more aggressive, understand better how to move. It will be a difficult tournament, but also fun. I like Wimbledon: last year I played well and only lost in the semi-final. Let’s see what I can do this year. I will be flying to London relatively soon,
I hope to do a good preparation and then we’ll see how it goes: I’ll do my best».

Do you think he will be among the favourites?
«We are all excellent players and there can always be some surprises in a tournament like Wimbledon. So I won’t say whether I’m the favorite or not. Djokovic certainly is: if he comes back, if he is fit, he is clearly the favourite. Alcaraz won last year, Zverev is playing very well. We see. It will be a very interesting tournament».

We seemed to see her smile often on the pitch. Is it just an impression or did you have more fun than usual?
«I always need to have fun when I play. We are on the pitch in many tournaments throughout the year, fun is essential: if you don’t have fun it’s difficult to manage everything. Yes, I particularly enjoyed myself today, but there are moments on the pitch when you can do that, you can smile. And then there are times when I’m very, very serious».

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