Jannik Sinner Sheds Light on Changes to His Game After ATP Finals Title Defense: “Bit More Unpredictable”

Jannik Sinner, following his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open final, talked about how he needed to add variety to his game because it had become too predictable. Since that defeat, the Italian lifted three titles, including two Big Titles.

He went past three-time Grand Slam runner-up Alexander Zverev in the Vienna Open final before claiming his career’s first Paris Masters title against Felix Auger-Aliassime. Then he ended his season on a high note by defeating Alcaraz at the ATP Finals, following which, he talked about the improvements he has made to his game.

Yeah, they’ve evolved in a positive way, of course, especially the serving. From the back of the court, it’s been a bit more unpredictable. It worked well, or at least better. I do believe that I have still margins where I can play better at times. It’s also difficult because you have to give a lot of credit to the opponent. Carlos is an incredible player. Hugely talent. It is difficult.

Sinner now trails 6-10 in the head-to-head clashes with the six-time Grand Slam champion. It was also his second win in their last nine matches. At Wimbledon, Sinner took his revenge for the French Open defeat over the Spaniard. The arch-rivals this year met six times: at the Italian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, Cincinnati Masters, and the US Open.

As I always say, the December is very important for me as a player and as a team because you connect better because you don’t have the pressure of the tournament, the rush to go from one side to the other. It is very important not only because of the work ethic but to connect the whole team even better and understanding each other even better.

Jannik Sinner added

Sinner now holds a 31-match winning streak on indoor hardcourts, with his last defeat coming against Novak Djokovic in the championship match of the 2023 ATP Finals. The 24-year-old claimed his sixth title of the season in his 10th final. Prior to the ATP Finals, the four-time Grand Slam champion lifted the Australian Open, Wimbledon, China Open, Vienna Open, and the Paris Masters.

Tim Henman believes the leg problem affected Carlos Alcaraz’s performance against Jannik Sinner

Carlos Alcaraz dealt with hamstring issues during the ATP Finals against Jannik Sinner. He took a medical timeout in the first set and eventually returned to play with his leg taped. Tim Henman suggested that Alcaraz did not play to his full potential because of the leg issue.

If I’m honest, I do think the leg issue had a part to play. Alcaraz changed his style of play and looked to be much more aggressive coming forward, which he is capable of doing, but I think he would have liked to extend the rallies (if not injured). The first set, he had his opportunities, and Sinner was able to respond.

Tim Henman told Sky Sports Tennis

Next is the Davis Cup Finals, and Sinner won’t be with the Italian team, who are also the two-time defending champions. Alcaraz, however, will end his season following Spain’s Davis Cup campaign.

Spain haven’t yet won a title since 2019, and last year, they lost to eventual runners-up Netherlands in the quarterfinals. This season, in the last eight, Spain will lock horns with the Czech Republic.

Alcaraz won the most titles on the men’s tour this season, lifting eight trophies from 11 finals. The only indoor hardcourt title that he has won in his career so far is the Rotterdam Open by defeating Alex de Minaur. His eight trophies include five Big Titles he won in Monte Carlo, Rome, Paris, Cincinnati, and New York. Sinner won four Big Titles: the Australian Open, Wimbledon, Paris Masters, and the ATP Finals.

Also read: Iga Swiatek Recalls ‘Whispering Jokes’ in Jannik Sinner’s Ear During Wimbledon Champions’ Dance

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