Jannik Sinner’s Preparation for the 2025 China Open
As the 2025 China Open approaches, Jannik Sinner’s recent training sessions have offered fans a glimpse into his preparation strategies. The 22-year-old Italian is set to face Marin Cilic in the opening round of the tournament. This match marks Sinner’s first competitive outing since he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the 2025 US Open, where he suffered a loss in four sets. Despite bringing a strong overall game, Sinner’s disappointing first serve percentage of just 48% proved detrimental, highlighting the challenges he faced against his top rival.
Training Focus and Techniques
During his time in Beijing, Sinner has engaged in various practice activities aimed at addressing his serve, which has been a point of concern following his performance in New York. Video clips from these sessions reveal innovative techniques his coaching team is employing. One noteworthy exercise involved a team member using a racket to gently poke Sinner’s back as he executed his serve, possibly to encourage correct posture and movement.
In a second clip, Sinner was observed refining his service motion solo, preparing himself to integrate any necessary adjustments before returning to live ball drills. Enhancing his first serve percentage is critical if he hopes to secure victories against Alcaraz, against whom he has struggled significantly; Sinner has lost seven of their last eight encounters, with an uncharacteristic 0-4 record on hard courts—the surface where he usually thrives.
Changes in Support Team
Additionally, Sinner’s support team has seen changes ahead of the China Open. After parting ways with his previous physiotherapist, Ulises Badio, just before Wimbledon, a move that raised eyebrows given their earlier success, Sinner has now enlisted Alejandro Resnicoff, a seasoned physiotherapist with ATP experience. However, whether Resnicoff’s role will be permanent within Sinner’s camp remains unclear.
High Expectations and Future Goals
The adjustments to Sinner’s team come amid a backdrop of high expectations, as fans and critics closely monitor his journey following past successes, including a Grand Slam title. Addressing his serve effectively may prove essential in his efforts to overcome his recent lack of success against rivals like Alcaraz, particularly as he looks to cement his status among the top players in the ATP circuit.
