In June 2019, a 17-year-old Jannik Sinner was at the Terra Wortmann Open in Halle as a wild card in qualifying. He was approached by Severin Luthi, Roger Federer’s coach, who asked him to warm up Federer for his match. Sinner gladly accepted the opportunity and felt grateful for the experience.
Although Sinner never had the chance to play against Federer in an official match, he cherished the practice sessions he had with the Swiss legend. Federer shared valuable mental advice with Sinner, encouraging him to enjoy the game and stay committed to hard work. Sinner deeply appreciated the time he spent on the court with Federer.
Having had a successful season with a 33-3 record, including his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, Sinner arrives in Halle as the top seed and the first Italian World No. 1 in history. He reflects on the significance of competing on grass courts, with limited opportunities throughout the year, making each tournament special.
Sinner acknowledges the challenges of transitioning to grass and facing opponents who are more accustomed to the surface. His first-round opponent, Tallon Griekspoor, poses a tough match as a skilled grass-court player. Despite the difficulty, Sinner is eager to test his level on grass and embrace the supportive crowd in Halle.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Sinner is focused on showing good tennis early on and hopes to capture a maiden tour-level grass-court title. He values the opportunity to compete at Halle, where he was given a wildcard in qualifying earlier in his career. The tournament holds sentimental value for Sinner, and he aims to make the most of his time on the grass courts.
As Sinner gears up to face Griekspoor in their opening match, he anticipates a challenging but exciting contest. Griekspoor’s strong serve and volley game present a test for Sinner’s grass-court skills. Despite the tough competition, Sinner is determined to give his all and enjoy the experience of playing on grass in front of the enthusiastic crowd at Halle.
In summary, Jannik Sinner’s journey from a young wildcard entrant in Halle to the top seed and World No. 1 showcases his growth and dedication to the sport. With valuable advice from Roger Federer and a successful season behind him, Sinner looks forward to making his mark on the grass courts and pursuing further achievements in his career.