“We have some questions around Sinner right now,” Boris Becker ousts Jannik Sinner from the title favorites list for 2024 Roland Garros

The Italian has not been able to translate his performances from other courts to clay.

“We have some questions around Sinner right now,” Boris Becker ousts Jannik Sinner from the title favorites list for 2024 Roland Garros

Boris Becker and Jannik Sinner (Images via Imago)

Former German tennis ace Boris Becker is skeptical about Jannik Sinner‘s chances at the 2024 Roland Garros as he ousts the Italian from his title favorites list. Becker feels that Sinner is not the same player on clay as he is while playing on hard court or grass court. The recent hip injury to the 22-year-old is also forcing Becker to not include him in the top title contender list.

He also pointed out the fact that Sinner has not won any tournament on clay and recalled the Italian’s defeat to Daniel Altmaier in the second round of last year’s Roland Garros. Becker reasoned that Sinner is yet to prove his mettle on clay.

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The German tennis icon also pointed out the difference between playing on a hard court and a clay court. Becker claimed that players need to work hard for every point and it is not easy to hit aces and wrap up the games quickly. Also, the best-of-five rule at the Grand Slam tournament makes it even tougher for the players.

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Overall, clay for the moment anyway, is not his best surface. Hard courts, indoors and grass… yes he is a big threat on those surfaces. On the clay, he has not won a big tournament yet, You look last year at Roland Garros and Sinner had a second-round loss against Daniel Altmaier in five sets and we don’t know how fit he is right now...So it will be tough for him. If he is fit, maybe he has a chance, but we have some questions around Sinner right now.
Boris Becker said about Jannik Sinner. (H/T: Tennis 365)

Can Jannik Sinner prove Boris Becker wrong at 2024 Roland Garros?

While Boris Becker‘s analysis is fair and on point, Jannik Sinner might take it as a challenge and prove the German ace wrong in his claim. The Italian has made a good start to his campaign in Paris as Sinner beat Christopher Eubanks in the first round.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Via Imago)

The 22-year-old beat Eubanks in straight sets of 6-3 6-3 6-4 and will next face Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round. Coming back after a brief injury layoff, Sinner was asked about his fitness and the Italian gave an affirmative answer. Sinner admitted that his hip is not 100% yet but he is in a good place currently.

I’m just happy to be back on court. I was injured. I’m very happy to be back here. It’s a very special tournament for me...The hip is good. I’m very happy. I’m glad that my team and myself, we were working very hard to be on court as soon as possible. For sure, the general shape is not at 100% yet so we try to build every day.
Jannik Sinner said after his win in the first round. (H/T: Eurosport)

With his fitness at a good level, the reigning Australian Open champion now has an opportunity to take his game on clay to the next level and win his maiden title on this surface. Sinner has not had a great outing in the clay season so far as he was knocked out in the quarterfinal and semifinal in Madrid and Monte Carlo respectively.

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