'You cannot always go with the scoreline easy': Jannik Sinner reflects on gritty win over Shapovalov

Jannik Sinner’s path to the US Open second week was far from smooth as he battled past Denis Shapovalov in four sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. For a player who has become synonymous with clinical efficiency over the past year, this match was a rare reminder that even the world No. 1 can be dragged into a rollercoaster. Shapovalov’s big serve and clean groundstrokes pushed Sinner to the edge, forcing him to dig deeper than usual.

The Italian admitted afterwards that moments like these are part of the journey, even if fans have grown used to seeing him cruise through earlier rounds. “Every match is so difficult, every challenge is so difficult,” he said. “There are players that have more qualities or potential, and Denis is one of them. He has everything to hurt players.” It was an honest reflection of a contest where the Canadian threatened to derail the favourite’s momentum.

Sinner found himself under pressure when he trailed by a set and then slipped 0-3 behind in the second. But rather than panic, he relied on mental strength to turn things around. “I just tried to stay there mentally,” he explained. “I was in a very difficult moment today, but I’m obviously very happy to manage to win because it was a very important win.” The ability to reset mid-match has become one of his trademarks, and this encounter showcased exactly that resilience.

Beyond the win, Sinner was quick to stress that tournaments of this magnitude demand patience and perspective. He avoided any talk of defending his US Open title, preferring instead to focus on the day-to-day grind. “You go day by day, and every day you have one opponent. You just try to play your best tennis possible,” he said. It is a philosophy that underpins his success — staying grounded while opponents and storylines swirl around him.

Preparing for what’s next

Looking ahead, Sinner’s next opponent will be either Tommy Paul or Alexander Bublik. Both present very different tests, and Sinner was careful not to get ahead of himself. “First I want to see who wins,” he said. “If it’s Tommy, it’s obviously very difficult with the home crowd he has. We’ve had very tough battles in the past. He’s a very fast player, he knows how to do everything. If it’s Bublik, it’s a bit different. He’s a big server and very unpredictable.”

That blend of respect and pragmatism is typical of the Italian. He has built his rise to the top not only on shot-making brilliance but also on preparation and discipline. His acknowledgment of the challenges each opponent presents shows a maturity beyond his 23 years. Whichever way the draw unfolds, he knows the margins will be tight, and he is ready to adapt his game accordingly.

Not a machine

One of the most striking elements of his press conference was the reminder that even elite players have their struggles. “I’m not a machine. I also struggle sometimes,” Sinner admitted. It was a candid response to a question about why Shapovalov and Dimitrov have recently managed to unsettle him at the Slams, unlike many others. For Sinner, the key is always preparation: feeling secure about his weapons and stepping onto court with confidence, even if matches rarely mirror practice sessions.

That sense of vulnerability, paired with his composure, makes Sinner’s ascent all the more compelling. Fans have grown accustomed to his consistency, but he insists that behind the clean scorelines lies the constant battle of adapting, problem-solving, and overcoming doubt. “At the end of the day, that’s tennis,” he said. Matches like this serve as a reminder that greatness is not built solely on dominance but also on the ability to suffer, adjust, and survive.

Shapovalov’s part in the story

Of course, credit must also go to Shapovalov, who came into the contest with two titles already this season and the form to back them up. “Denis is an incredible player. He has shown this over and over again,” Sinner said. “He’s in good shape, good form. I think we saw this today — serving very well, returning well.” The Canadian’s fearless hitting kept the match alive and forced Sinner to summon his best. While the result did not go his way, it was a reminder of Shapovalov’s enduring talent and danger on the biggest stages.

As Sinner marches into the second week, the pressure will only intensify. But for now, his blend of realism, humility, and resilience shines through. The world No. 1 knows there will be tougher battles ahead, and this match — far from a flawless performance — may prove to be exactly the kind of test he needed. “It was a great match from both sides. It was a bit of a rollercoaster, but I’m obviously very happy,” he concluded. The road to another Grand Slam title is long, but Sinner’s compass is firmly set.