Jannik Sinner admits what he really ‘struggled’ with during China Open win over Roman Safiullin
Jannik Sinner eked past Russia’s Roman Safiullin to advance to the quarter-finals of the China Open.
Despite having ultimately managed to again turn the tide, the world number one likened his latest win to his opener in Beijing.
“It was similar also to the first-round match,” Sinner admitted in his China Open press conference. “Today I struggled a little bit, especially with my serve on the first set. He was returning very well. He was playing very strong from the baseline.”
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Sinner previously he’d been working on his serve, with a real emphasis on that shot since his US Open triumph.
“I just tried to react a bit. I changed a couple things in the second set, which then helped me to get in the rhythm of the match.
“Yeah, you know, third sets are always kind of tricky. But happy how I reacted. Of course, if I want to win the next round, I have to raise my level. Jiri is playing some amazing tennis, so let’s see.”
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) confirmed mid-match that it has appealed the decision to allow Sinner to continue playing professional tennis despite failing a drugs test – a case he initially won in a tribunal with the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA).
The Czech has seen off two Spaniard’s so far in Beijing with Pedro Martinez defeated in straight sets and a comeback win over Roberto Bautista Agut in round two.
Sinner’s two tough tests meant a lot to him he admitted after his win over Safiullin. With two slightly difficult wins for the top seed so far, Lehecka’s all court game will provide another stern test for the world number one.
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