Jannik Sinner says dealing with the tennis calendar is ‘not easy’ at times but believes careful planning is key to coping with the schedule.
Fresh concerns about the packed ATP season were brought up over the weekend at the Laver Cup when two high-profile players spoke out about the matter. Four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz said during a press conference that the season schedule, which starts in January and usually ends in November, is likely to ‘kill players in some kind of way.’ Referring to the amount of injuries there have been. The Spaniard admits he struggles at times for motivation to play at some events due to the current calendar.
Meanwhile, Alexander Zverev described the current situation as a ‘health risk to players’ before going on to accuse the ATP of prioritizing money and giving players little say in the decision-making process. The governing body of men’s tennis has not responded to that remark so far.
However, world No.1 Sinner argues players can choose what they want to play within reason. Although some events on the Tour are classed as mandatory and withdrawing from them without a reason can result in a fine. The Italian has played 12 tournaments so far this year, winning 55 out of 60 matches.
“The schedule is quite long these years. But as players, we can still choose what to play and what not to play.” Sinner told reporters in Beijing on Tuesday.
“Obviously we have some mandatory events, yes. As a player, you can still choose.
“It is a very busy schedule this year; there are a lot of tournaments. (But) you don’t have to play in a tournament. If you want, you can play. If not, you don’t play.
“For example last year and also this year, I didn’t play some tournaments because I wanted to practice. There are some choices behind this.
“In general, yeah, the season is quite long, so sometimes it’s not easy.”
Sinner will return to action later this week at the China Open, which will be the first event he has played since winning the US Open. He is bidding to become the first man since Novak Djokovic to win the Beijing trophy two years in a row. In 2023, he defeated Daniil Medvedev to claim the title.
“I think I always try to improve. Doesn’t really matter the result I have, what I managed to achieve, I always try to understand myself and what I have to improve off the court and on the court, all these things.” He explained.
“I’m excited to be back and play tournaments because this is what I practice for. Even in the practice sessions, I alwaystry to understand what’s working and what’s not working.
“Obviously we (Sinner’s team) found out that we have some areas where I have to improve. It’s all part of the process that I have. I think this is the most exciting part.”
The 23-year-old recently made changes to his team by hiring trainer Marco Panichi and physiotherapist Ulises Badio who have both previously worked with Djokovic. His appointment follows the departure of Umberto Ferrara and Giacomo Naldi who the tennis player said he lost trust in. Earlier this year, Sinner tested positive for the banned anabolic steroid clostebol but avoided a suspension after proving the source of his contamination with the tribunal concluding there was “no fault or negligence”. Ferrera brought Trofodermin (which contains clostebol) in Italy and gave it to Naldi to treat a finger cut. Naldi treated Sinner without wearing gloves and ended up unintentionally transferring the substance to him.
Sinner will begin his China Open campaign against Nicolás Jarry later this week.
