MUTUA MADRID OPEN

May 4, 2021

Jannik Sinner

Press Conference

J. SINNER/G. Pella

6-2, 4-4 [Ret.]

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. What was your debut experience like here in Madrid, your first match?

JANNIK SINNER: You know, obviously quite good feelings, to be honest, for one first-round match. It's not easy playing against Guido because he's lefty. I never practiced with him before. I never played against him before. So, you know, you never know what to expect.

So, you know, trying to keep focusing about what I have to do. You know, I think it has been a good first match obviously. Unfortunately for Guido, you never want to win like this, you know. And then, you know, to be honest, he has a very tough moment now, you know. Retired in Munich, and even last year with US Open, Australian Open, you know, what happened to him is unfortunate. So I really wish him good luck, because he's a great player and a nice guy.

Q. Just wondering about the conditions. How did you feel on such different conditions as we have in Madrid?

JANNIK SINNER: Yeah, of course, you know, for me first time playing here, you know, first of all it's great to see, you know, some movement from crowd as well, you know. It's nice playing here obviously.

As I said, for me, first time, we are a little bit in altitude so it's a little bit different. The ball goes quite fast so you have to somehow search for the right balance on court, which I think is the main goal here.

But as I said, you know, we came here quite early, so already one week now basically from tomorrow. Yeah, I'm very happy to play one more match tomorrow.

Q. You have achieved a career-high ranking this week. Today was your 19th victory this season. Do you feel a bit you're meeting or exceeding your expectations on the season so far?

JANNIK SINNER: You know, ranking is a number, you know, at the end of the day. I am there where I am right now, but, you know, the road is long. At the end I didn't win anything. Two titles, but, you know, the road is long, and I know that I have to improve pretty much everything.

You know, but I have a great team behind me which is pushing me to that. Yeah, I'm excited to work hard day after day, and then we will see what's coming and what's happening.