Italian rising star Jannik Sinner experienced a tricky start to his French Open campaign after being taken to five sets by Pierre-Hugues Herbert before prevailing.
The 19-year-old Italian battled on court for more than three-and-a-half hours before winning 6-1, 4-6, 6-7, 7-5, 6-4, in what was only the third five-set match of his career. During parts of the match Sinner appeared to be out of sorts and even told a doctor that he ‘felt strange’ during a medical time out. Still, he managed to fight back to extend Herbert’s poor record against top 20 players in recent time. The Frenchman has now beaten a top 20 player once out of his past 15 attempts.
“It was obviously tough playing against Pierre. I started well, then in the second and third set he was serving well. I was struggling a little bit with how to return the serve, if I go to the court or if I stay back,” Sinner said during his press conference.
“Then at some point I handled the situation quite well, I have to say. But it’s not easy playing against him.
“There was not so much rhythm. I think today was not an easy match for me, but obviously I’m very happy.”
Sinner is dubbed as one of the future stars of men’s tennis. Last year at the French Open he became the first ATP player to reach the quarter-final on his debut since Rafael Nadal. Following that milestone, he won his first two Tour titles and reached the final of the Miami Masters.
Sinner’s latest win in Paris is also a new milestone in his career with it being the first time he has won a five-set match. He believes one of the keys behind his win was not thinking about his previous misfortunes.
“When you are in another fifth set, you don’t think how many you lost or how many you won. You just want to win,” he said.
“I knew I lost 7-6 against Karen (Khachanov) in the U.S., then 6-4 (to Denis Shapovalov) in Australia this year. Today I just tried to somehow play my game which I think today I ended well.”
“Every match is different. Today I’m happy that I won the fifth set for the first time.”
Sinner will play compatriot Gianluca Mager in the second round who disposed of German lucky loser Peter Gojowczyk in four sets.
