Jannik Sinner has asserted an unsettling dominance over the ATP Tour in the absence of his great rival, Carlos Alcaraz.
Even before the Spaniard got injured, the way in which the world number one would sweep aside 99% of his opponents was overwhelming.
Jannik Sinner only lost seven matches to three different people last year, with five of those losses coming at Carlos Alcaraz’s hands.
So, to remove that obstacle from the Italian’s way was bound to make things too easy, and his current win streak has only reinforced that.
He is now being tipped as one of the most overwhelming favourites in Roland Garros history, which does conjure its own unique pressure. Thus far, Sinner seems to be dealing well, although he did discuss Alcaraz’s withdrawal due to injury after his first-round match.
Jannik Sinner discusses Carlos Alcaraz’s absence from Roland Garros
Speaking with the press, Sinner was flat-out asked whether the absence of his legendary rival has actually increased the pressure on him to win this event.
And, in typically measured fashion, he gave a calculated response.
Which player is most likely to stop Jannik Sinner from winning the French Open? 🤔
Sinner said: “Pressure is always gonna be there. It’s part of us as a tennis player. I believe everyone has pressure in their work. I think you also have pressure, hopefully releasing a good piece of journalism. It’s normal, you know… I try to take it in a very natural way.
“I know what kind of player I am. If you don’t feel the pressure, it means you don’t care. I do care a lot about what I’m trying to achieve on a tennis court.
“At the same time, I know the world is not going down if I lose. In any case, I try to do my best. I’m a competitor. I try to put myself in the best possible position, and that’s it.”
Alcaraz has also discussed how he feels watching Roland Garros from home recently, in his first public appearance in a little while.
Roland Garros has an interesting decision to make with Jannik Sinner
At this point, it only really feels like Sinner’s own physicality could possibly stop him from winning the title here in Paris.
And so, that leaves the Roland Garros schedulers in an intriguing position.
They could either bend to his will, based on the fact he is the world number one and one of the few star names in the men’s draw, and keep handing him night sessions like the one he got last night.
Or, they could operate on a fairer basis and spread these slots out, and in doing so subject Sinner to the current brutal Parisian conditions in the daytime.
Can anyone now stop Jannik Sinner from winning Roland Garros after Carlos Alcaraz’s withdrawal?
If yes, who?
Today, Novak Djokovic will play in blistering heat at around 3 pm, showing that even he is not safe from these bold scheduling decisions.
If Sinner is given similar unbiased treatment, it could prove to be his undoing at an event where he seems otherwise destined for the title.
