Sinner on Djokovic-Alcaraz Olympic clash: 'We don't see this level every day’

Jannik Sinner may be in Montreal focusing on preparations for this week’s Omnium Banque National présenté par Rogers, but that did not stop the World No. 1 from taking some time on Sunday to tune into one of the most gripping finals in Olympic Tennis Event history.

Despite his disappointment at missing Paris 2024 due to tonsilitis, Sinner joined millions of fans around the world in enjoying the latest Lexus ATP Head2Head clash between two of his biggest rivals, Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz.

“It was a very high-level match, I think everyone agrees with that,” said Sinner on Monday, when asked for his key takeaways from Djokovic’s victory after two tie-break sets. “It was a very physical match. When two of the best players in the world face each other at the moment, they produce something very special, so it was a pleasure to watch this kind of match and I think everyone really enjoyed. We don't see this level every day, so it was an amazing match.”

As a 14-time tour-level champion, Sinner has become increasingly accustomed to the feeling of clinching a title. The 22-year-old ended his wait for a maiden Grand Slam title at January’s Australian Open, but he was quick to recognise the unique circumstances of Djokovic’s Olympic gold, a prize that had until Sunday eluded the Serbian across a career spanning nearly two decades.

“Of course I understand [his reaction], but I think he understands it more than anyone else,” said Sinner, when asked about Djokovic’s highly emotional celebrations after clinching the Career ‘Golden Slam’ in Paris. “He tried so hard to get this medal, which was the last thing he needed to accomplish. He knew this in his mind.

“He was close couple of times, making bronze or fourth a couple of times. This year was his year, and it was just a very nice scene, to see how much this means to him. Also, the reaction of Carlos after. It is the same reaction, but the opposite way. We work for these kinds of things, success. Obviously, Novak has many more years of expectations also. It's very nice to see.”

Events in Paris have not distracted Sinner from his own task at hand — defending the Omnium Banque National présenté par Rogers title he won in Toronto in 2023. Sinner confirmed he is fully recovered from his recent illness as he prepares for an opening-round against Pedro Martinez or a qualifier.

“It feels great. I arrived here quite early,” said Sinner. “Firstly, to get rid of the jetlag. Secondly, to recover here from the last part of what I had. For sure the first couple of days were very slow days, with not a lot of practise, trying to get the body used to it again. Now I’m practising really hard again. I feel my body fighting. Honestly, it’s really good and I’m ready to compete again.”

“It's a while since the last match I played at Wimbledon. So, let's see. I'm very excited to be here and hopefully I can show some good tennis.”

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With Alcaraz not competing in Montreal, Sinner has the opportunity to extend his lead from the second-placed Spaniard in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin. He is looking forward to competing on hard courts for the first time since March in Miami, where he surged to his second Masters 1000 crown.

“It’s for sure my favourite surface, but every situation is different,” said Sinner, when asked about his 22-1 tour-level record on hard courts this year. “Here, for example, the ball is flying quite a lot, so you have to feel the ball a little bit more and just try to play with a good mindset against every opponent that you have to face.

“[I will take it] day by day. Tomorrow, I play doubles [with Jack Draper], which is a good start for me to prepare the best possible way, and then the singles.”