Jannik Sinner dominates at Roland Garros 2026 and reveals secrets about pressure and technique on clay
The Italian star Jannik Sinner, currently ranked number one in the world, kicked off his campaign at Roland Garros 2026 with a solid and convincing victory, defeating Clement Tabur with scores of 6-1, 6-3, and 6-4. The classy display at the historic French Grand Slam did not go unnoticed, and the young prodigy quickly shared his impressions about the match, the conditions, and the mindset that has propelled him to the top of world tennis during the press conference.
“I feel that starting a tournament is always a special moment, especially when it’s in a night session, which makes everything even more exciting. I was looking forward to this match and the truth is we had many high-quality points, so I’m very satisfied with my performance today,” Sinner stated, emphasizing the importance of maintaining concentration from the very first match, which is rarely easy in a tournament of this caliber.
Regarding the experience of playing at night, the Italian does not seem affected: “I’m happy to play at any time, whether it’s day or night, when I’m put on the field, I’ll be ready. As for the heat, I had good results in Indian Wells this year, where the temperatures were high, and I managed that well. Here the heat is different, of course, but the humidity is not as intense as in Australia or the United States. Every day is a challenge, and tomorrow will be a good opportunity for me to get used to the conditions, then we’ll see when my next game will be. But that will be a problem for later.”
One of the most fascinating aspects of the interview was Sinner’s explanation of his technique for sliding on clay, a fundamental skill for anyone looking to succeed at Roland Garros. “It’s hard to define, but I believe that most Europeans grow up playing on clay, so from a young age we learn to slide with our feet, especially the left for right-handed players, which allows us to cover the court better. Some players struggle to slide on hard courts and even more so on grass, because each surface requires specific speed and technique. For me, sliding has always been something natural; perhaps skiing has helped a lot with my balance. I think that’s what makes all the difference.”
When it comes to pressure, Sinner has a clear and realistic perspective that reveals the maturity of the young champion: “Pressure is something that will always be present, both in tennis and in life. We all have pressure in our jobs, even journalists who need to publish good articles. I try to approach it naturally. I know what kind of player I am, and I believe that if we don’t feel pressure, it’s because we don’t care. I, on the other hand, give everything to achieve my goals in every match. But I also know that if I lose, the world won’t end.”
With this emphatic victory and such a solid mindset, Jannik Sinner reaffirms himself as one of the top favorites to win the title in Paris, remaining a model of professionalism and passion for the sport. The Roland Garros 2026 promises to be the stage for great battles, and the world number one is ready to take center stage.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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