Patrick Mouratoglou warns Jannik Sinner about the pressures of being World No.1

Mouratoglou believes Sinner's ranking will be questioned if he loses to players ranked lower than him.

Patrick Mouratoglou warns Jannik Sinner about the pressures of being World No.1

Jannik Sinner and Patrick Mouratoglou (Images via Imago)

Jannik Sinner reached the pinnacle of tennis this week as he left behind Novak Djokovic to become the World No.1. After 12 consecutive wins at the Grand Slam level, he was stopped in his tracks by rival Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open.

However, no one can deny that being the No. 1 player in the world has its own set of challenges. Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams‘ former coach who is currently training Holger Rune, warns Sinner about what is to come. 

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Of course, it is extremely difficult to reach the top, but it is even more difficult to stay at the top. We no longer have the right to fail. You're supposed to win all the time. The pressure is incredible. When you're number 1, you can't lose to a guy who's number 10, number 15. But these guys are very dangerous, so they can beat him.
Patrick Mouratoglou said via Tennis Majors

Mouratoglou believes that the World No.1 position is a benchmark and whoever holds it is under pressure to not lose against players ranked much lower than them. 

When he plays against them, he will feel extra pressure because he is not supposed to lose to them. People will understand if he loses to Alcaraz. It’s normal to lose to him…. But if he loses to a player who is number 10 or 15, people will start to say 'oh, wow, maybe he's not going to stay number one'. The pressure will be greater.
Patrick Mouratoglou added

The French coach is of the opinion that a loss to someone ranked outside the top ten would make people question Sinner’s longevity at the top of the rankings ladder. Surely the Italian youngster must be having this thought at the back of his mind.

Jannik Sinner receives a warm welcome in Halle as he gears up for his first tournament as World No.1

Sinner is returning to action next week in Halle, where he is playing his first grass court event of the year. It will also be his first tournament after reaching the summit of the rankings hill and will be a test of his ability to deal with this pressure.

Jannik Sinner
Jannik Sinner (Image via Imago)

Last week, he celebrated his achievement by receiving a trophy from the chairman of the ATP in Monaco, where he resides. The celebrations now continue in the German city of Halle, where he was welcomed with a cake upon arrival at the courts. 

Sinner expressed his gratitude for this gesture by thanking the fans and the parties concerned in eloquent German.

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