Italy’s Jannik Sinner says he still has ‘many things’ to improve after crashing out of the Stockholm Open to Andy Murray on Wednesday.
Sinner, who was the top seed in the tournament, fell in straight sets to the former world No.1. The loss brings to an end what has been a breakthrough season on the ATP Tour for the 20-year-old who has won four titles. All of which were on a hard court. Overall, Sinner has won five ATP trophies so far in his career and is the youngest player to achieve this since Novak Djokovic reached the tally when he was 19.
Besides his success, the world No.10 hopes his experience will put him in a stronger position in the coming years. He is the youngest player from his country to ever break into the world’s top 10 on the ATP Tour.
“I think it was a great year. Winning four titles, making the final of a Masters 1000 event, two semi-finals in 500 events and many experiences which I am happy about,” Sinner told reporters in Stockholm.
“I played so many tournaments for the first time so next year I know how it is there and how the conditions are.”
There has also been disappointment for Sinner in recent times with him losing his opening matches in Stockholm (to Murray) and at the Paris Masters (to Carlos Alcaraz Garfia). Those defeats ended his chances of qualifying for the prestigious ATP Finals which will be held in his home country for the first time next week.
“I’m very disappointed with how it ended,” he admits. “I’m going to close (2021) outside the top 10. It’s tough because I tried my best at the end of the year. I played a lot of matches. Winning Sofia, reaching the last 16 in Indian Wells and then winning Antwerp. Now a couple of first round (losses), it can happen.’
“I had a clear goal in my head which I didn’t reach this year. That was going to the ATP Finals in Turin. It’s tough but I can take away a lot of great moments of the year.”
In the future, Sinner states that he wants to build on his game further. Naming his serve and coming to the net as two key areas he wants to work on further. He is currently coached by Riccardo Piatti and Andrea Volpini. Piatti has been working with the youngster since he was a teenager.
“I still have to talk with my team but sometimes the best solution is to do what you do but in a better way. Trying to keep it simple,” he said.
“I have to improve everything. I’m 20-years-old and sometimes I don’t feel comfortable on the court. But the fighting spirit is there.’
“I’m trying my best every day. I think this is why I’m in the position where I am right now. There are many things to improve which I am looking forward (to doing).”
Sinner has won 45 out of 66 matches played on the ATP Tour this year.
