Sinner's Clay Court Quest

Jannik Sinner, the world No 2, approaches the 2024 Monte Carlo Masters with tempered expectations, labeling the week as a "practice week" to hone his skills on clay. Despite his remarkable success on hard courts, boasting a staggering 22 wins out of 23 matches and three titles this season, Sinner acknowledges the challenge of transitioning to clay.

With only one clay-court tournament victory under his belt–the 2022 Croatia Open in Umag – Sinner faces a demanding task in adapting his game. His recent triumph at the Miami Open leaves him with limited time for clay-court preparation ahead of Monte Carlo.

Reflecting on his past performances, Sinner aims to replicate his success on clay, citing his previous achievements, including quarter-final appearances at Roland Garros and Rome. However, he acknowledges the need for improvement, particularly after a less-than-ideal clay season last year.

Despite his preference for hard courts, Sinner remains optimistic about his prospects on clay, attributing his familiarity with the surface to years of practice. Embracing the challenge, he expresses excitement for the tournament and emphasizes the importance of building a positive relationship with clay.

In managing the pressure that comes with his recent successes, Sinner emphasizes the significance of mental fortitude. By adopting a point-by-point approach and maintaining a balance between his professional and personal life, he navigates the challenges of elite competition.

As he anticipates his opening match in Monte Carlo against either Sebastian Korda or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Sinner remains focused on the task ahead, determined to make his mark on the clay-court season.