Jannik Sinner Explains Why He Skips Queen’s Club to Participate at Halle Open Before Wimbledon

Jannik Sinner will lock horns with home favorite Yannick Hanfmann to start his bid for his second consecutive Halle Open title.

Jannik Sinner Explains Why He Skips Queen’s Club to Participate at Halle Open Before Wimbledon

Jannik Sinner (Image via ATP/X)

Jannik Sinner will play the Halle Open to kickstart his campaign on the grass swing. It was in Halle last year Sinner captured his first title on grass by beating Hubert Hurkacz.

He arrived in the German city after French Open heartbreak. The World No.1 reached the final of the clay-court Major for the first time only to lose a five-hour, 29-minute battle to World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz, who defended his crown and improved his win-loss record in Major finals to 5-0.

Alcaraz, a three-time champion on grass, is not playing the Halle Open as he is in London for the Queen’s Club Championships he won in 2023. Sinner, ahead of his campaign, explained why he prefers playing in Halle instead of London.

I think this tournament is different from Queen’s, because in Queen’s you are in London already [before Wimbledon]. I like to not go to London too early, for me it’s good that I change places at times. And this [The Halle Open] is very…I will not say low-key, but different, because for me and where I am from, maybe my dad is coming, if something happens, he comes by car; we are quite close.

Jannik Sinner told Tennis TV

Sinner’s parents live in Sexten in South Tyrol, a town in northern Italy. After the stressful French Open, the 23-year-old went straight to his hometown to relax and spend some time with his family and friends. Another reason why Sinner likes to play in Halle is because the players’ hotel is right beside the venue so it saves his time.

Sinner has never progressed beyond the semifinals at Wimbledon. He was the semifinalist in 2023 and last year, he was defeated in the quarterfinals by Daniil Medvedev.

Sinner will lock horns with Yannick Hanfmann to start his campaign in Halle. The three-time Grand Salm champion has met the home favorite twice and won those matches, which also included the first round of the 2024 Wimbledon.

Sinner is also playing doubles with compatriot Lorenzo Sonego. The pair will face Alex Michelsen and Karen Khachanov on June 16.

Jack Draper reveals if he contacted Jannik Sinner after his French Open defeat

Jack Draper is participating at the Queen’s Club Championships and will meet America’s Jenson Brooksby in the first round on May 17. Ahead of the tournament, Draper was asked whether he reached out to his good friend Jannik Sinner after his defeat in the French Open.

Jack Draper, Jannik Sinner (2)
Jack Draper, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/Jannik Sinner HQ)

I didn’t send him a message because I imagine losing a final like that must be very tough, and you don’t want to talk to too many people. I will give him all my support when I see him; I will tell him how impressive what he did was, and how proud he should be. He will win that title many times, I’m convinced.

Jack Draper told reporters

The Briton is the winner of one grass-court title. Last year, he defeated Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final. The second seed is projected to meet first seed Carlos Alcaraz in the final but before that, he could run into Frances Tiafoe in the quarterfinals and Alex de Minaur in the semifinal.

Both Draper and Sinner will search for their second title of the season. Draper won the Indian Wells Masters, while Sinner defended his Australian Open title by beating Alexander Zverev. Sinner could meet the German again if they both reach the Halle Open final.

Draper also reached the Madrid Open final but lost the title to Casper Ruud. Sinner, after making his comeback following his three-month doping ban, reached the Italian Open and French Open finals (lost both to Alcaraz).

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