Jannik Sinner, enjoying best season yet, says ‘I have to improve’ | ATP Tour

In Beijing

Offender, enjoying best season yet, says ‘I have to improve’

World No. 1 is the best in Beijing

September 25, 2024

Jannik Sinner’s 2024 season reads like an outstanding start. The 23-year-old has won six tour-level titles, including his first two majors at the 2024 Australian Open and, most recently, the US Open. In June, he achieved the career high ranking of World No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings.

Despite the Italian’s incredible success in 2024, he still believes there is another gear he can get into. He hopes to continue with that program starting this week at the China Open in Beijing.

“I have to improve a few things, which my coach and I already needed to improve in the US Open swing,” said Sinner. “We worked on that and the physical condition. We tried to improve.”

For a while, a persistent hip injury hampered his form. Despite the limitations brought by the injury, Sinner persevered and lifted the title at the Cincinnati Open, defeating Top 10 opponents Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev.

Sinner then took the lead at the US Open, the final tournament of the season. World No. 1 defeated 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals and American No. 1 Taylor Fritz on his way to the top.

With his victory in New York, Sinner became the fourth man since 1988, when the Australian Open first switched to hard courts, to win both clay court majors in the same year, joining Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Mats Wilander.

The 23-year-old’s performance has set him apart from the crowd. Sinner won 87.5 percent (91/104) of service games at the US Open, another example of what has already been an outstanding service performance in 2024. Since September 2023, Sinner has won 90.7 percent of service games, more than three times his 87 percent. 5% by 2023.

However, Sinner is looking to build even more on his trust in that area.

“We are very active in serving. We changed a few things there,” said Sinner. “Obviously the movement I have now is a little different and new, so I have to get used to it.”

The offense also looks to get close to the net more often while adopting a style of play that incorporates a variety of shots.

Next up for the Italian is the defense of his China Open title, which starts on Wednesday against Chilean Nicolas Jarry.

“I am very happy to be in the position I am in right now. The season isn’t over yet. There are very important competitions coming up,” said Sinner. “So hopefully I’ll be ready. One of my main goals now is the end of the year [Nitto ATP] Last time in Turin.”

Did you know?
Sinner leads the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin by 4,305 points over second-placed Alexander Zverev. The Italian is trying to earn the ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF honors for the first time.