Jannik Sinner Returns to Tennis
Jannik Sinner is set to return to competitive tennis at the upcoming Halle Open, marking his first appearance since a gut-wrenching defeat in the final of the French Open. During an intense match against Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner was on the brink of clinching his fourth Grand Slam title, having secured leads in the first two sets and holding three championship points during the pivotal fourth set. Despite this strong start, the Italian ultimately lost the match, an experience he described as emotionally devastating.
Mental and Emotional Recovery
After taking a brief hiatus to regroup, the 23-year-old is back, aiming to regain his focus as he competes as the tournament’s top seed. “It’s a process to deal with such a loss. I’ve had some sleepless nights thinking about it,” Sinner shared, reflecting on the emotional toll of the match. However, he emphasized the importance of moving on, stating, “Each match is a fresh start, and I need to be mentally prepared to give my best on the court. Being here in Halle feels positive for me.”
Coping Strategies
Sinner also voiced how he coped with the aftermath of the final by spending quality time with family and close friends. “I spent time being relaxed, grilling with my family and enjoying table tennis with friends—nothing extraordinary really. Being at home brings me comfort, as they understand me well and provide the support I need.”
Preparing for Grass
Despite lacking preparation on grass before arriving in Halle, he isn’t overly concerned about adapting to the low-bouncing surface. He recalled his first practice session, stating, “It wasn’t the best given that I hadn’t played since Paris, but I anticipate that today’s practice will be better.”
He’s optimistic about his ability to perform well on grass, having made strides on this surface last year. “Success on grass requires good movement and strategic serving. While the ball does bounce a bit unexpectedly, I’m eager to see how I fare this year, considering last year’s progress,” Sinner concluded, as he looks ahead to his first match on grass.
