Jannik Sinner reveals how long he plans to be on tour ‘if’ his body holds up
Jannik Sinner stated his intention of not retiring early from professional tennis and is looking to play until his 40s.
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Jannik Sinner (Image via X)
Since October 2023, Jannik Sinner has taken his game to a higher level and has clinched as many as eight titles. The 23-year-old, who has been arguably the best ATP player this season, has stated that he has no intention of leaving the sport early and believes he could play until his 40s.
In recent years, the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal have all enjoyed plenty of success in their 30s. Djokovic, for example, has won 12 of his 24 Grand Slams since turning 30. Stan Wawrinka, who is 39, is currently the oldest player on the ATP Tour and most recently reached the semifinals of the Stockholm Open.
For Sinner, becoming a legend of the sport remains his primary goal, and one way to do that is by playing at the highest level consistently for many years. The Italian has shown that he could do so this year, winning two Grand Slams, two Masters 1000 titles, and two ATP 500 crowns.
Ahead of the 2024 Paris Masters, Sinner stated that he wants to play at his best level for another 15 years or until his 40s. He added that his goal will come down to how long his body can bear.
I’m going to play another 15 years until I am 35-40 years old. Let’s hope my body can hold on. They say that 15 years is a long time, but it’s not, because I arrived here in the hotel, the same hotel, same room, and I realised this year passed really fast. So, we are trying to make all the possible choices to continue playing tennis for as long as possible for my body, but we also can’t waste time.
Jannik Sinner said during a press conference
Sinner is seeking his eighth title of the season at the Paris Masters, which commenced on Monday (October 28). The Italian has already won three Masters 1000s this season, twice more than any other men’s player this year.
‘Calm’ Jannik Sinner not pressured by being World No. 1
Jannik Sinner overtook Novak Djokovic to become World No. 1 in June. The Italian has since won four titles, including the US Open. With his victory over Djokovic in the Shanghai Masters final, he cemented his position as year-end No. 1 for 2024.
Sinner stated that has gotten used to the pressure that comes with being World No. 1. He said that he doesn’t think much about the pressure and instead just enjoys his time on the court.
I don’t think so much about this (pressure). This is something I’ve worked my whole life, to be World No 1. Now I am there and I just try to enjoy. Every match you have a lot of pressure, you have a lot of expectations, but this pressure and expectations starts from my side because I want to win and prove to myself that I am capable to win these kinds of matches.
Jannik Sinner said (via Tennis365)
Meanwhile, Sinner was supposed to face either Ben Shelton or Corentin Moutet in the second round of the Paris Masters. However, he has since withdrawn from the event due to an illness. He will be replaced in the draw by Frenchman Arthur Cazaux.
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Victor Okechukwu
(691 Articles Published)