Jannik Sinner is undeniably the greatest Italian tennis player ever, having already won four Grand Slams at the age of just 24.
And, he’s only really just getting started.
With Carlos Alcaraz absent from the ATP Tour due to injury, that dominance is only set to grow stronger, as seemingly nobody can compete with the world number one, especially at the Masters 1000 level.
Bolstered by the support of his home crowd here in Rome as well, it’s hard to see anyone but him coming out on top at this ongoing Italian Open.
Speaking after his opening-round win over Sebastian Ofner, Jannik Sinner has explained why that home support has actually taken him by surprise this year.
Jannik Sinner discusses the Italian Open crowd this year
During the Italian portion of his press conference, one reporter was keen to get Sinner’s opinion on the Roman crowd in that first match.
He admitted: “I’m always surprised by the affection they give me, and it continues to strike me.
When does Jannik Sinner next lose a tennis match? 👀
“The way they support me in training, and obviously matches. And then it’s wonderful that there are so many children, so many young people. I’ve always said that they’re our future, right? So it’s nice that they already have this passion for tennis.
“We’re a really great group, with so many Italian players like me now, and it’s nice that the kids already have this passion.”
Sinner also named the area of his game he’s been working on lately as well, in that same press conference.
Marin Cilic thinks two players could beat Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros
Given how he is currently performing, it’s hard to see anyone stopping Sinner, not just here in Rome, but in Paris too.
At present, Roland Garros is his to lose.
However, earlier this week, Marin Cilic argued otherwise, stating two players who he felt could seriously challenge the Italian.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
He claimed: “You can also see Zverev is being really consistent now, playing in the final of Madrid. He’s giving himself enough chances. If he’s gonna take it, you know, you never know, but he’s playing great tennis.
“You know, you always have a few guys that are playing unbelievably on clay, like Casper Ruud, he always loves those Roland Garros court conditions. Yeah, we’ll see, you know, just, from my own end, I’ll try to get back in there.”