The Italian Jannik Sinner stated that winning his first Indian Wells Masters title was the result of thorough preparation to face the heat of the California desert.
The tennis player arrived there a week before the start of the tournament precisely to train and adapt to the weather conditions.
Current number two in the world, Sinner has already faced difficulties in hot and humid environments. One of the most striking episodes occurred in January, when severe cramps almost forced him to abandon the match. Last year, he also had to give up his participation in the Shanghai Masters.
This time, however, the Italian showed little discomfort during the match in the final played on Sunday (15). The temperature approached 35°C shortly before the start of the decision, scheduled for 2pm local time.
“It was hot, but it wasn’t humid, and that makes a difference,” Sinner told reporters after the match.
“I arrived here a week before the start of the tournament. Conditions were very similar to today. We did long days of training. I felt very well prepared, so I had no problems with the weather or heatwhich is very positive for me.”
According to the tennis player, the strategy is part of a process of physical and technical evolution to compete at the highest level of the circuit.
“This is all part of the process we are trying to follow to become the best athlete possible. We work hard in the gym to be able to play at this level,” he added.
With the victory, Sinner went on to accumulate titles in all six tournaments of the ATP Masters 1000 series played on hard courts. He has also won trophies at the ATP Finals, the Australian Open and the US Open on the same surface, joining a select group that includes Roger Federer and .
“I knew this was a tournament I hadn’t yet won, so I wanted to prepare in the best way possible, in the most professional way possible,” he said.
“To achieve this feat now means a lot to me. Now I have a few days to relax… there’s not much time between this tournament and Miami.”
The Italian also highlighted that he intends to maintain the high level in the next competition on the calendar.
“Miami is also an important tournament, and we will try to play the best tennis possible there.”
