Jannik Sinner shares his thoughts on clay-court tennis ahead of Monte Carlo opener

Jannik Sinner is gearing up for a clay court return after a long injury layoff

Jannik Sinner is looking forward to getting back on clay after missing most of the surface’s schedule last year.

Sinner had to sit out most of 2023’s clay-court events due to a hip issue, and when he did make his return, two losses in finals to Carlos Alcaraz only made matters worse.

His 2024 campaign starts in Monte Carlo, where he spoke openly about his relationship with the surface during the event’s media day. Despite his success on other courts, Sinner has just one ATP title on clay so far.

Even though Sinner’s results haven’t matched up with what he’s done elsewhere, he still thinks he can be competitive against anyone. He reached two finals last season before being forced out for health reasons, then came back strong enough to finish as runner-up in Rome and Hamburg later that year.

This time around, he says things are different. He started feeling stronger right from preseason and had a good run through Indian Wells – so even if there was no Miami Open tune-up this year – everything still feels in place for a more complete build into spring.

Sinner gives an honest reason for the lack of clay titles

He opened by saying he does enjoy playing on clay, even if it’s not his preferred surface.

“I do like to play on clay, but it’s not my favourite surface. I do believe I can play some good tennis.

“I haven’t won any [Masters 1000 clay events] yet, but I’ve been close here a couple of times. I can’t predict the future, but it would be nice to win here… It’s a tournament I love to play, and I’m happy to be here.”

Speaking about why he has only one ATP title on this surface so far, Sinner explained: “I believe last year was a great clay season.

“I also had loads of time to prepare because of certain scenarios I had, and now I find myself again in a different position and situation because we have a couple of days to prepare for a very big tournament on clay.

“So, but I also know mentally that I can’t play good on clay. It doesn’t mean that I win.

“I also know that I can lose, I never won anything big on this surface, so I’m looking forward to it, trying to put myself in the position, hopefully, and then we’ll see.”

Apart from making up for lost time last year, there is another huge motivator for Sinner this season. The Italian has the opportunity over the next few months to regain the world number one ranking from Alcaraz, given how many more points his rival has than him defending during this stretch. Sinner, though, continues to dismiss that talk as he always has done throughout his career.

Jannik Sinner’s clay court track record

Even though he’s only claimed one title on clay, last season showed Sinner has no real issues with the surface.

After serving a three-month suspension, he made his return in Rome and immediately impressed, powering through the field before fading late in the final against Alcaraz.

Sinner then reached the Roland Garros final without dropping a set, even handing out three bagels along the way.

He famously then had three championship points before Alcaraz pulled off an incredible comeback to take the title from him.

Sinner has played 124 matches on clay throughout his career, winning 88 of them for a 71% win rate. That’s slightly below his overall career average of 77% across all surfaces.

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