'There’s always a reason behind it': Why Jannik Sinner skips exhibitions for Slam success

Jannik Sinner opened his US Open campaign with a composed and confident performance, defeating Czech player Vit Kopriva in straight sets (6-1, 6-1, 6-2). The Italian, who has entered the final major of the season as one of the leading contenders, looked sharp and assured throughout the match, a sign that his preparations in New York are already paying off. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Sinner discussed his physical condition, his approach to scheduling, and the lessons he has learned in his still-young but already impressive career.

“I feel in good shape physically,” Sinner said when asked about his condition. “It’s been some good practice days, especially the last couple. I feel I’m in a good spot. It was a good first-round match, so I’m very happy. Let’s see what’s coming.”

One of the recurring questions surrounding Sinner is how he handles his schedule. Despite being one of Europe’s top players, he has yet to appear at the Laver Cup and has consistently avoided exhibition events unless the timing feels right. “I always consider in what shape I am and what my goals are,” he explained. “I like to be ready for tournaments, so sometimes it’s not the right time or schedule. I’ve never played many exhibitions, and there’s always a reason behind it.” For a player who thrives on rhythm and physical sharpness, this deliberate approach highlights his discipline.

Sinner was also invited to look back on his first meeting at Flushing Meadows with Carlos Alcaraz three years ago, a match often cited as the start of their rivalry. His memories show how much both have grown since then. “At that time, we were very young, just going on court and hitting. Now it’s different: we have to prepare tactically, emotionally, and mentally. We’ve faced each other many times since, and every match is different tactically. We make adjustments. For sure, that match was important, even if we were very young. It was one of the key matches.”

Movement, improvement, and last year’s lessons

While Sinner has long been admired for his clean ball-striking, he emphasised that his movement has become an equally crucial part of his game. “If you want to hit the ball well you have to arrive with good movement,” he said. “The better you move, the better you hit the ball. That’s the key to being a clean hitter.” He described the combination of open and closed stances, as well as full-body commitment to shots, as part of what has made him a more complete player.

Reflecting on last year’s run at Flushing Meadows, Sinner pointed to the importance of resilience. Matches like the one against Tommy Paul reminded him that momentum can shift quickly and that conditions vary daily. “Sometimes it takes more time to get used to the conditions. Playing at night, for example, is different if you don’t know the conditions yet. Every day can feel different. Last year was also a different situation before the tournament — different emotions. Let’s see this year.”

Life on Tour: Challenges and gratitude

When asked about the hardest parts of life as a professional tennis player, Sinner chose instead to emphasise gratitude. “I feel it shouldn’t be hard, because this is what I love to do,” he said. “Of course there are tough moments when you lose matches, when you have match points and don’t take them — but in the end you have to accept it and consider yourself lucky. We play in front of people, with great support. We should also be role models for young kids, like I was when I watched tennis on TV.”

He acknowledged that there are always surprises behind the scenes, both positive and negative, but made clear that his perspective remains grounded. In an era where the physical and mental toll of the tour is often discussed, Sinner’s view is refreshing. Rather than focusing on difficulties, he frames the demands of tennis as privileges, a mindset that may explain his ability to stay steady even during rough patches.

Learning to manage the Slams

Grand Slams are gruelling two-week marathons, and Sinner has been steadily learning how best to navigate them. One of the biggest lessons has been energy management. “Before, I used to practise two hours on off-days, but now I understand it’s better to rest if you already feel the ball, to save energy for matches,” he explained. Decisions such as when to do physio, how much time to spend at the site, and when to leave the grounds are all part of a process he is fine-tuning. “I’m not perfect, but I’m learning.”

With his maturity, discipline, and ever-improving game, Jannik Sinner has made it clear that he is not only a contender in New York but also one of the standard-bearers of tennis’ new generation. Whether or not his US Open run leads to another meeting with Carlos Alcaraz, his words and his performance suggest he is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.