Sinner counts on IW hard yards paying off on clay

Jannik Sinner admitted he was worked to the bone at a mini-training camp last month before winning the Indian Wells and Miami Masters events back to back.

Now the world No. 2 – within striking distance of seizing the top ranking back from Carlos Alcaraz – will hope to put his fitness reserve to the test as the Monte Carlo Masters starts on Sunday.

The Italian, first to win the so-called “Sunshine Double” on US hardcourt only six days ago, said he is using the traditional European start of the spring clay campaign to sharpen his game with the May Grand Slam date at Roland Garros in mind.

“I like this tournament and am happy to play here,” Sinner said as he waited  for an opening opponent after a first-round bye.

“This is good preparation for the next important tournaments. it’s nice to sleep at home and feel comfortable.”

Sinner said he and the team led by Darren Cahill worked hard on fitness six weeks ago in the Californian desert.

“I built up a lot of endurance. Clay is a different surface – a lot more physical. I enjoy playing on it but it’s not my favourite. I just hope to play some good tennis.”

The 24-year-old reached the semi-finals in his last two Monte Carlo appearances.

“We had a lot of long sessions in the heat so I guess a lot of questions will be answered here on this surface,” he said.

“I’ve never won a big title on clay, so of course that would be great. There are important tournaments coming up and you always want to win trophies.”