Jannik Sinner thinks the atmosphere during his matches at Roland Garros is different than in recent years. The world number one is playing his first Grand Slam tournament in Paris after his doping suspension.
“It will definitely be different. I know that. But I don’t think they have anything against me, do they?” the 23-year-old Sinner wondered at a press conference on Friday.
Sinner was suspended for three months earlier this year for a positive test for the banned substance clostebol. Two weeks ago, the Italian returned to the tennis court at the Masters tournament in Rome. In front of his own crowd, he reached the final, in which Carlos Alcaraz was too strong.
At Roland Garros, Sinner will face Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech in the first round. “It is normal for fans to support players who come from here. I received a lot of support when I played in Rome. Last year I also played against a few French players here. So I know a little bit what to expect.”
Sinner has never won Roland Garros. Last year, the three-time Grand Slam winner stranded in the semi-finals. There he lost to the eventual winner Alcaraz.
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Alcaraz is Sinner’s Boss Again and Wins Rome Masters Tournament
Alcaraz: ‘Our matches are of a very high level’
In the last five Grand Slam tournaments, the title went to Sinner or Alcaraz. According to the 22-year-old Spaniard, the rivalry with his peer is good for the sport. “People are excited every time I play against Jannik. Our matches are of a very high level,” he said.
Alcaraz did not want to compare the duel with Sinner with that between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal or that between Björn Borg and John McEnroe yet. “I am not going to put the rivalry I have with Jannik on the same level as the rivalry between those legends.”
The 124th edition of Roland Garros starts on Sunday. The final of the Grand Slam tournament on clay in Paris is on June 8.