LONDON. Wimbledon remains “a special tournament”, different from all the others, even Halle, where last week Jannik Sinner won his first grass-court title: the first time the world No. 1 has been in a Slam, the Italian said he was happy and excited to be on court. His debut on the grass of the All England Club scheduled for Monday, late afternoon: Third match on Court No. 1, against German Yannick Hanfmann, who has never won at the Championships (two appearances, many losses).
A comfortable debut (on paper at least) for Sinner ahead of a potential Italian derby against Matteo Berrettini in round two. But ahead of the tournament, the San Candido champions are reluctant to look too far ahead.
“I’m very happy to be back here. Wimbledon is still a very special tournament. Obviously I’m happy with the way I played last week. In recent days I’ve tried to find good form on these courts, I hope to be ready.” .”
On Thursday, he trained at Centrale with Novak Djokovic.his executioner in the last two editions: in 2022, the Serb, coming back from two sets down, eliminated him in the quarterfinals, 12 months ago in the semis. Until the end of the match, Djokovic’s presence on the scoreboard was still in doubt due to the after-effects of surgery on his right knee. “I saw him train very well, if he decides to play, I think he feels ready,” said Sinner, who – if he reaches the semi-finals (he was unlucky in Friday’s draw) – could meet his nemesis, Carlos Alcaraz, the title holder and favourite according to the bookmakers.
“Especially on grass, having good confidence helps. Last week was an important week for me, although I know Halle has different conditions to Wimbledon. But after last year’s semi-final, I know I can play good tennis here too. I’m working to get used to this surface and build up my confidence. I’m looking forward to playing and I hope I can play good tennis here too.” Also to legitimize his new world No. 1 status, a record achieved at Roland Garros despite a semi-final loss to Alcaraz. “After Paris, I took a few days off and then went back to training. Physically, I felt much better today than before Paris. I’ve been working a lot in the last few days. I feel ready to go.”