Just three days after the disappointment of his US Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner was back on the court. World no. 2 hit the clay court at the Monte-Carlo Country Club with the 15year-old Daniil Valter.
Jannik enjoyed a light training session with the Russian junior for a Head Tennis shoot, giving the rising prospect the chance to share the court with one of the game's leading stars.
For Sinner, the session marked a smooth transition back into work after his demanding North American summer in Cincinnati and New York. The four-time Major champion will take a couple of weeks off the court.
The Italian should return to action in two weeks at the ATP 500 event in Beijing, seeking the title after barely missing it against Carlos Alcaraz last year. Jannik stepped down from the ATP throne after 65 weeks after failing to defend the US Open crown.
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Sinner defended 3000 ATP points in Cincinnati and New York. He reached the final at both events but struggled against Carlos Alcaraz, who reclaimed the ATP throne after two years.
The Spaniard has built a healthy lead over the Italian in the year-end no. 1 battle. Jannik will have to embrace deep runs and titles at almost every tournament he enters if he wants to catch his greatest rival and secure his second straight year-end no. 1 honor.
The Monte Carlo hit underlined Sinner's reputation as a fierce competitor and a role model eager to inspire the next generation with his on and off court acts.
Vatler, a promising junior, benefited from the valuable opportunity to test his skills against the four-time Major winner in a setting that combined professionalism with inspiration.
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Who knows, maybe we will see them battle on grand arenas in six or seven years.
