Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka Warm Up with Title Wins
Locker Room
August 21, 2024
Jannik Sinner is so impressive right now that it seems only his own body can beat him going forward.
The talented Italian won the Cincinnati Open by defeating Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 with a dominant serving display in the final.
The question everyone will be asking is this: can Sinner’s physical health withstand the rigours of a fortnight’s gruelling action at Flushing Meadows?
Jannik Sinner will be a huge contender for Wimbledon 2025 as well as the forthcoming US Open.
On form alone, Sinner is the man for New York glory. The world number one played some exquisite tennis on the way to his Cinci triumph.
But he has been suffering from a hip injury this summer and missed the Paris Olympics with tonsillitis. And the finely-tuned 23-year-old seemed to be limping at times during the knife-edge opening set against Tiafoe.
Any lingering niggles didn’t seem to bother him as he showed a typically ice-cool nerve to dispatch Tiafoe in the breaker. And the contest got noticeably easier from there.
Jannik said later: ‘It was a very tough week and I’m very happy with today’s match. We both felt a lot of tension but I’m very glad about the level I played – especially in the important moments.’
You wouldn’t think that Sinner is feeling any physical or psychological pressure going into the US Open from his next remark – despite the recent controversy over a failed drugs test.
Jannik said simply: ‘I’m very happy to be in the position I am. I’ll just try to keep going mentally with this hunger to keep playing.’
And no one is hungrier right now that Aryna Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury. She just picked up her sixth WTA 1000 title with a convincing 6-3, 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula.
The American fought back after being broken early in the second set. But Sabalenka was strongest when it mattered and closed out in style.
In fact the powerful Sabalenka hadn’t dropped a set all tournament – not even against world number one Iga Swiatek in the semis.
Aryna reflected: ‘This trophy means a lot. It is a really big achievement. Especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again.’
Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka will now shape up for the final major of the year. The New Year will be upon us before we know it – with Wimbledon 2025 the jewel in the crown.
Come and enjoy Wimbledon 2025 in London next year. There’s nothing quite like it. And we can secure you some of the best seats on historic Centre Court.