Jannik Sinner Expects the French Open to Be the Greatest Test of His “Physical Level” Since His Return from Suspension

Jannik Sinner will play his first Grand Slam tournament at the Roland Garros after his return from a three-month suspension.

Jannik Sinner Expects the French Open to Be the Greatest Test of His “Physical Level” Since His Return from Suspension

Jannik Sinner (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

Jannik Sinner is gearing up for his return to Grand Slam action at the Roland Garros after his three-month suspension from tennis. The tournament poses a unique challenge for the Italian, who has just played one event ahead of it. He believes that the French Open will be his first major test physically.

Sinner was banned for three months just weeks after lifting his third Grand Slam at the Australian Open. His suspension was as a result of twice testing positive for clostebol in March last year. He returned to the sport last week in his home event in Rome. At the Italian Open, he produced some spectacular displays to reach the final.

Also, he defeated two top 20 players – Casper Ruud and Tommy Paul – to reach the final. However, in the final hurdle, he lost the Rome Masters title to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. But the Italian has already re-established himself as one of the top contenders for the French Open just a few weeks back to the ATP Tour.

During his final match against Alcaraz, he struggled with his movement and opened up about a leg issue before the match. At the French Open, he will contend with a plethora of fresh fitness issues as each match is played in three sets, rather than the two sets he played in Rome.

In addition, some matches might go on to four or five sets, which always stretches a player’s resilience on the court. Sinner revealed that it is his main concern ahead of the French Open. He added that he will need some time to adapt to the high level of professional tennis while also adjusting to the conditions. Sinner said, ahead of the tournament:

There are no miracles, no? I need some time. Matches are different than practice sessions. But we are working hard, trying to reach the physical level I would like to and how I would like to feel on the court. Of course, it pops into, you know, also the tennis part where it’s just a little bit different. But best-of-five is going to be a great test for me, trying to understand where I am. Let’s see how my body will respond here.

Last year at the Roland Garros, Sinner struggled with cramps during his five-set thriller match against Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Before the match, he had only played in four sets at the tournament that year and it was difficult for him to overcome a more resilient Alcaraz.

Jannik Sinner hopes to understand the level of his game at the Roland Garros

Jannik Sinner surprised the tennis world with his performance at the Italian Open in Rome, producing some quality displays against top players. However, he’s not certain about his level of his game as he has just played only one tournament in three months.

Jannik Sinner (2)
Jannik Sinner (Image via X/The Tennis Letter)

[As] tennis players, we always like to play with what we feel because we don’t have second choices when we step on court. There are some days you feel good; some days where you don’t feel that well. But you always have to try to find a solutions. For me, the stats are very important, because I missed all my feedback in three months. I don’t know exactly how I was playing, if the shots were on the right pace or not, if I’m moving well or not, many things.

Sinner will open his Roland Garros campaign against Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech, who is currently ranked World No.72. The latter did beat Sinner in their only clay-court meeting in Lyon in 2021, but the Italian leads their head-to-head record 2-1. Sinner has never reached the final of the French Open and holds a 16-5 win-loss record at the event.

Also Read: Andrea Petkovic Claims Jannik Sinner is Doing ‘Hilarious’ Thing John McEnroe Used to Do