Sinner slams Humbert but keeps expectations low

Jannik Sinner spent barely an hour in dismantling Ugo Humbert 6-3, 6-0, with the world No. 2 Italian still unsure of his form as he makes the spring switch to clay at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The winner of back-to-back title last month at Indian Wells and Miami – without the loss of a set – took just 65 minutes to crush his French opponent to reach the third round.

His opening match of the season on clay came less than a year after his last outing, a Roland Garros finals loss to Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner is closing in on the Spaniard to overtake on world No. 1, with Sinner’s form on the rise while Alcaraz could be sputtering after early exits last month on hardcourt.

“I’m very happy with this win,” the 24-year-old Sinner said. “It’s not an easy transition to clay.

“I’m happy to have at least one more match here,

“But I don’t have many expectations, I still have a good feeling. This is the most difficult adjustment from one surface to the other.”

Sinner fired 13 winners against Frenchman Humbert in his 18th consecutive Masters match win and has  now won his last 36 sets.

“The best practice is more matches,” Sinner said. My main goal (on clay) this season is Roland Garros. There is still plenty of time left to build for it.”