Jannik Sinner concedes finishing the season as world number one is impossible, focusing instead on next year’s goal amid physical challenges.
JANNIK SINNER admitted on Tuesday that finishing the season as world number one is now impossible.
The Italian world number two said he has come to terms with ending the year behind his rival Carlos Alcaraz in the rankings.
Sinner lost the top spot after Alcaraz defeated him in the US Open final back in September.
He had previously held the number one ranking for 65 consecutive weeks.
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“It’s impossible to finish the year at number one,” Sinner told reporters ahead of his opening match at the Paris Masters.
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about this at the moment.”
“It’s going to be a goal for next year.”
Sinner currently trails Alcaraz by less than 1,000 points in the ATP rankings.
ALSO READ: Alcaraz expects Sinner to improve after US Open final defeat
He could theoretically overtake the Spaniard by winning the Paris Masters if Alcaraz fails to reach the semi-finals.
However, Sinner then faces defending 1,500 points at the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin.
He won the season-ending tournament in 2024 while Alcaraz was eliminated in the group stage.
“This year it’s not in my hands,” Sinner simply added about the number one race.
ALSO READ: Alcaraz defeats Sinner to win US Open and reclaim world No.1
The 24-year-old arrives in Paris after winning the Vienna Open on Sunday.
He acknowledged that the long season has taken a physical toll on his body.
Sinner retired from the Shanghai Masters earlier in October due to cramping issues.
He also experienced thigh problems during his title run in Vienna last week.
“It was not the same issue at all in Vienna,” Sinner revealed about his physical concerns.
“I feel like it was normal.”
“You know, I played five days in a row.”
“The final was very physical.”
“It can happen.”
The four-time Grand Slam champion insisted he is not worried about his physical condition.
He faces Belgium’s Zizou Bergs in his opening match at the Paris Masters on Wednesday.
“The body feels good now,” Sinner stated.
“A bit tired, of course, playing five matches in a row and coming here is not much time to recover.”
“But I’m happy how I’m feeling.”
“I recover every day better.” – AFP
