The Australian, defeated six times out of six by the South Tyrolean, will be his rival in the final: “We grew up together, I’ll like him more if I manage to overcome him”
– ROTTERDAM
He probably didn’t take it as news. Meeting Jannik Sinner once again, his red beast, who beat him six times out of six. The last one still stings a lot, in the Davis Cup final in Malaga. There he had met the man on the mission, a Sinner in an ultra-powered version with a blue shirt, ready to complete the historic feat of bringing the Salad Bowl back to Italy 47 years after the first and until then only time. It hadn’t been a good experience, 6-3 6-0 with that bagel still weighing on the digestion. Yesterday at least he was able to celebrate his 25th birthday properly, beating Dimitrov in his second youth and reaching the fifteenth final of his career.
Alex gave himself a great opportunity, as well as the best ranking.
“I deserved a nice dinner with the family and a slice of birthday cake. I struggled quite a bit in the final with Grisha, an incredible player, powerful, aggressive and above all his class and his plays are capable of annihilating the opponent. Returning to the top 10 is an important thing that fills me with pride for my country too.”
Now it’s her friend Sinner’s turn once again. Long-standing acquaintance.
“Yes, we practically grew up together, we played each other often and I was never able to beat him. But I’m also quite confident because I played one of my best matches against Dimitrov from start to finish, without any drops or distractions. To get through this This time I’ll have to work hard and invent something completely different.”
What will make the biggest difference, technique, physique, or mentality?
“Physically I’m there, and mentally I think I’ve always been there. It’s about always maintaining concentration and being positive even when things aren’t going very well. Since the start of the week I’ve felt really confident, very happy with how I’m playing , so I will also enter the field against Jannik with the same attitude.”
You have grown up together since you were teenagers.
“I respect Jannik a lot, I think he is an incredible, humble person and an excellent player. Yes, we have known each other since we were kids, at Next Gen, and there has always been great respect between us.”
Facing each other from time to time also helped you grow and measure your level.
“Yes, we’ll see how it goes this time. He’s going through an incredible moment of form. He’s a player who doesn’t give you anything and you have to make sure you find the solution to beat him.”
What do you like about Sinner, as a person?
“Who has never changed. He has always remained the same with everyone, easygoing, he has never gotten over his head even if he won a Slam and achieved extraordinary results. He is a fun, nice guy. If I beat him I will still like him moreover…”.
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