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Jannik Sinner on Adjustments, Statue in China, and Schedule Debate

Jannik Sinner opened up a range of issues between the China Open and Shanghai Masters.
Pat Benson|
Jannik Sinner has discussed a range of issues during the ATP Asian Swing.
Jannik Sinner has discussed a range of issues during the ATP Asian Swing. | IMAGO / VCG

ATP World No. 2 Jannik Sinner is maintaining a busy schedule during the Asian Swing. Sinner just picked up his third title of the year at the China Open earlier yesterday, and has already made the trip from Beijing to Shanghai for the Masters 1000 event later this week.

If it feels like fans are getting to see and hear a lot from Sinner, they are not wrong. Between multiple press conferences, Sinner is also participating in fan and philanthropic events. Thankfully, reporters are getting some intriguing soundbites from the usually reserved superstar.

Sinner has provided a progress report on the changes he is making to his game, dove into the scheduling debate, and even made an appearance for a statue unveiling in Shanghai.

Game Changes

Before his China Open campaign started, Sinner provided an update on the changes he has made to his game in the wake of his U.S. Open final loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

"We reflected a lot on that final against Alcaraz in New York. We are working on new things. We are changing many small details. The number of errors at the moment is certainly a bit higher, but I hope it will decrease. It's only a matter of time," explained Sinner in his press conference.

"I don't know how much I'll be able to put the changes into practice on the court, because training is one thing, a match is another. We'll see. I'm very motivated. It's fantastic to work on something new, then we'll see how it goes. We always try to move forward. One step forward is always better than two steps back."

Schedule Debate

Over the past week, a familiar debate has flared up among ATP and WTA players. Iga Swiatek resumed her campaign for a shortened season, which Carlos Alcaraz concurred.

However, Qinwen Zheng strongly opposed any changes. Sinner was asked about the issue and took a neutral stance. "I don't want to criticize anything. For me, everyone thinks in different ways," said Sinner.

"We can still choose, as players, you just have to understand what a priority is for ourselves. I always made choices, even last year, you know? Sometimes jumping some tournaments, but the schedule is what it is, you know? If you want to play tournament, you have to play tournament; if not, you make another choice to rest or... practice, you know? That's it, so, yeah, it is what it is."

Terracotta Warrior Statue

Sinner, the defending champion of the Shanghai Masters, was honored with his own terracotta warrior statue. When asked about it during an interview with Tennis TV, Sinner was clearly flattered by the statue.

"It's very strange to see for me. I am just 24 years old, and seeing a statue of one of the biggest events we play, and it's very, also... Like, I would have never thought to see it, you know, a statue of mine here at this court, so it's more like a mix of happy and proud to say that I have a statue here."

Sinner also revealed that it was supposed to be a surprise, but a prior interviewer told him about the statue. "It should have been a surprise, now you, it was not you, it was another interview before you. Which the surprise is gone, it's fine. But it's all good."

Sinner is currently 42-5 with three singles titles this year. With Carlos Alcaraz not competing in the Shanghai Masters, Sinner has a clear path to victory. He faces Daniel Altmaier on Saturday, October 4.

The Shanghai Masters runs through October 12. Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.

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Carlos Alcaraz at the Japan Open: "I just think I can do everything."

Naomi Osaka loses to the World No.130 in the China Open.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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