Jannik Sinner, a rising star in the tennis world, recently expressed that he gained a substantial amount of “confidence” during his straight-sets triumph over Jesper de Jong, marking a noteworthy moment in the third round of the highly competitive Italian Open. This victory stands as Sinner’s remarkable 23rd consecutive win, a feat that showcases his current form and skill level as he gears up to face world No. 18 Francisco Cerundolo in the upcoming round of 16.
During the post-match interview, Sinner reflected on the distinct nature of the match compared to his previous outings, emphasizing the varying conditions that players often face on the ATP tour. He started positively, with an assertive game, but experienced a dip at one stage, allowing De Jong to capitalize. “I tried to understand what was going on, and fortunately, I broke him at 4-4 again, which gave me confidence to continue,” he remarked, showcasing a mature understanding of the ebb and flow of competitive tennis.
In the second set, the dynamics shifted further when De Jong suffered an injury to his right wrist after slipping, a moment that caught the attention of spectators. Notably, while leading 3-2 in that set, Sinner demonstrated sportsmanship by aiding De Jong to his feet. It was a poignant moment that highlighted the camaraderie often found between players, even amidst fierce competition. Following a medical timeout and with his wrist heavily wrapped, De Jong struggled to continue, leading to Sinner’s decisive victory.
This tournament in Rome marks an important return for Sinner, as it is his first competitive outing since successfully defending his title at the Australian Open in January. Notably, this match also serves as a prelude to the prestigious Roland-Garros which is set to take place later this month. The timing of these events is integral for Sinner, who needs to capitalize on his form as he heads into the clay-court Grand Slam.
Further complicating his return to the circuit, Sinner had accepted a three-month suspension by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to a failed drug test from the previous year, a matter that weighed heavily on his shoulders. Despite these challenges, Sinner expressed gratitude for the warm reception from the crowd in Rome, describing it as the best support he has ever experienced. “It has been amazing to go again on court after such a long time,” he said. His palpable excitement was evident as he shared, “From the first day I came here, it has been amazing. I was waiting for this moment quite a long time.”
As Sinner continues to navigate his match strategies, he reflected on the intense emotions that come with competitive play, particularly the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking experience of serving for the first time in a high-stakes match. “The whole match, even when it seems quite comfortable, it’s a rollercoaster, no?” he explained, shedding light on the mental challenges that all players face.
For fans and enthusiasts eager to catch more of Sinner’s journey, his matches are accessible via TNT Sports and discovery+ during the upcoming 2025 French Open. This accessibility enables tennis followers to stay connected with this talented athlete as he strives to leave his mark on the sport, showcasing not just his skills on the court but also his character and sportsmanship off it. As he prepares for the next challenges ahead, Sinner remains a compelling figure in the narrative of contemporary tennis.