Jannik Sinner aims to be as ‘relaxed as possible’ at the US Open after capturing his latest title at the Cincinnati Open.
The world No.1 defeated Frances Tiafoe 7-6(4), 6-2, to win his third Masters 1000 title on a hardcourt. To put that into context, over the past decade only Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev have won more titles than Sinner at Masters events on this surface. He is also the first Italian to win Cincinnati and the first to claim five ATP trophies in the same year.
Sinner’s latest success follows a testing period with him missing the Olympics due to illness and then appearing to be troubled by a hip issue. However, he has since played down concerns about a potential injury.
“It was a very tough tournament, many great matches throughout the whole week.” Sinner said of his latest performance.
“So I’m very happy about that. Let’s see what’s coming in New York. I’m trying to be in the best possible shape and let’s see. I’m very happy.”
The 23-year-old has enjoyed a stellar 2024 so far and is currently the only player to have won multiple masters titles this season. He is 39-1 against payers outside the top 10 with his only defeat being to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Monte Carlo. Overall, he has won 48 out of 53 matches played since the start of January.
“In my mind, I still know that I that I have to improve some things,” he admits.
“Against certain players, I struggle a lot. So this is always in my mind, in every practice session that I that I have to improve. And then what I have to improve is trying to understand what works best in each situation.
“I’m also glad that these players are there who make you trouble. And then you try to find a solution.”
Sinner’s focus now switches to the US Open which has never seen an Italian man reach the singles final in its 142-year history. It is the only major event where he has yet to reach the semi-final stage. As for the potential advantages gained by winning in Cincinnati, Sinner has vowed to keep level-headed.
“It’s a good feeling, for sure, but in my mind, I know that is completely different the situation from here (in Cincinnati) and New York.” He explained.
“It’s a best-of-five (sets) Grand Slam. The amount of pressure is also a bit different but I’m quite relaxed going into that tournament. trying to play with a positive mindset, and trying to play as relaxed as possible. And then we’ll see what I can do.”
The US Open will begin on Monday with Sinner being the top seed in the men’s draw.
