Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France : Jannik Sinner has transformed himself from a hardcourt specialist into the player to beat on clay, with his evolving mindset and tactical discipline setting him apart ahead of the French Open.
The four-times Grand Slam champion underlined his credentials by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the Monte Carlo Masters final earlier this month, as the Spaniard’s preparations were later disrupted by a wrist injury.
Sinner, 24, continues his clay campaign at the Madrid Open, where the higher altitude offers quicker conditions and another test of his adaptability.
“Here it’s a very unique playing style,” Sinner said. “It’s high altitude and can be windy, so it’s difficult to play. But every kind of claycourt helps me improve.”
Once seen as better suited to faster surfaces in his rivalry with Alcaraz, Sinner has closed the gap on clay through patience and control, making their recent results difficult to separate.
Former player and sports psychologist Jeff Greenwald said Sinner’s mentality gives him a crucial edge.
“Sinner, even more than Alcaraz, has this unflappable demeanour built from a deep love of the process,” Greenwald told Reuters. “He’s the poster child for mastery, prioritising long-term development over short-term results.”
That focus has reshaped Sinner’s approach on clay, where his consistency and composure have become decisive advantages as the Paris major approaches on May 24.
However, the Italian may now face a different challenge — handling expectations as the favourite.
Greenwald said such pressure can unsettle even top players, but believes Sinner is well equipped to cope.
“He didn’t develop this mindset after becoming successful — it was built into his training,” he said. “Whether he’s labelled a favourite or not, it’s unlikely to affect him. If anything, it will strengthen his confidence and resilience.”
With momentum on his side, Sinner heads into the clay swing as the benchmark for the rest of the field.
