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Jannik Sinner
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‘I’ve improved since I played Rafa Nadal at Roland Garros’ – Jannik Sinner on Rome showdown


Jannik Sinner believes he is a better player now than when he lost to Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros last year, ahead of the pair’s clash in Rome.

The world No. 18 was beaten 7-6 (7-4), 6-4, 6-1 by Nadal in the quarter-finals of the 2020 French Open in the only previous meeting between the players.

Sinner will face the 13-time Roland Garros winner in the second round of this week’s Italian Open after beating Ugo Humbert 6-2, 6-4 today.

“Well obviously, playing against Rafa here – especially on this surface – is never easy. I think everyone knows how good he is,” the 19-year-old Italian said in a post-match interview.

“I think I’ve played quite a comfortable or quite a good match in Roland Garros. Then some things changed. I think I’ve improved a little bit, obviously when you’re young you still can improve.

“At the end of the day, we practised quite a long time in Australia. So we know (each other) in some way quite well. I’m looking forward to it.”

(Photo credit Ray Giubilo)


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.