Despite reaching the quarterfinals at the Cincinnati Open without dropping a set, Jannik Sinner has not played his best tennis so far in the tournament. After a very easy debut against Daniel Galan to whom he conceded only a couple of games the world number 1 had some difficulties both against the young Canadian Gabriel Diallo in the third round and against the French veteran Adrian Mannarino. In particular, the Italian ace had to play two tiebreaks (one against the Canadian and one against the French), but he won them both and avoided taking further risks.
For the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria this is the first tournament after his triumph at the Wimbledon Championships, after which he gave himself about a month of break to recharge his batteries by skipping the 'Canadian Open' in Toronto.
The four-time Grand Slam champion wants to be 100% of his shape for the start of the US Open the last Major of the season which begins on August 24 in New York and in which he will have to defend the title he won a year ago.
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Sinner is not at his best
Some fans have expressed their concern about Jannik's current level, although the latter has never given the feeling of being in trouble and has qualified for the quarterfinals in Ohio with sufficient ease. His next opponent will be Canadian star Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is trying to get out of the crisis and has already defeated the Italian in this tournament three years ago.
In an interview with 'La Gazzetta dello Sport', Italian legend Paolo Bertolucci reassured fans of the world number 1: "Sinner has accustomed us too well and his fans are convinced that every match of his must end with a lesson to his opponents. Every day is different in high-level sport and his performances against Diallo and Mannarino are perfectly normal at this stage of the season."
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The Italian champion has reached at least the quarterfinals in the last nine Masters 1000 he has played. He will face Felix Auger-Aliassime today.
