MONTE CARLO — Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has publicly acknowledged a lapse in his on-court conduct, admitting "my behaviour was not good," as he opened up about the significant physical and mental challenges he has faced navigating a persistent hip injury that has disrupted his otherwise stellar 2024 season.
The World No. 2, who captured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January, has been forced to withdraw from several key tournaments, including the Madrid Open and the Italian Open in Rome. His comments came in a press conference ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, his first clay-court event since the injury surfaced, where he reflected on the frustration that boiled over during a difficult period.
The Breaking Point in Madrid
The most public display of Sinner's frustration occurred during his quarter-final match at the Barcelona Open, a tournament where he was competing with heavy strapping on his right hip. While he managed to secure a hard-fought victory, his demeanor was uncharacteristically tense. He was seen angrily yelling at his team in the player's box and smashing his racket in a moment of pure exasperation.
"I am not proud of what I showed on the court in Barcelona," Sinner stated candidly. "The emotions, the pain, the disappointment of not being able to play at my best… it all came out in the wrong way. I know I am a role model for many kids, and my behaviour was not good. This is something I have spoken about with my team, and it is a part of my growth, not just as a player but as a person."
This moment of public frustration was a clear indicator of the immense pressure the 22-year-old has been under. After a near-perfect start to the year, which included the Australian Open title and a triumph at the Miami Open, the physical setback threatened to derail his momentum and his quest for the World No. 1 ranking.
A Season Disrupted by Injury
Sinner's hip issues first became a major concern following his semi-final run at the Indian Wells Masters in March. Despite the deep run, he was not moving with his customary fluidity and power. The problem was significant enough to force a withdrawal from the Miami Open, a tournament he was defending champion of, a decision he described as one of the toughest of his career.
"It started in Indian Wells, this feeling in the hip," Sinner explained. "We tried to manage it, but after the tournament, the medical scans showed it was not something to ignore. To miss Miami, a place where I have such great memories, was very painful. But sometimes you have to think long-term."
The recovery process has been a meticulous and frustrating journey. Sinner's team, led by coach Darren Cahill and physiotherapist Giacomo Naldi, implemented a conservative plan focused on:
- Rest and Rehabilitation: A primary period of complete rest to reduce inflammation, followed by targeted physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles.
- Gradual Load Management: Carefully increasing the intensity of on-court training and physical conditioning to avoid re-aggravation.
- Strategic Scheduling: The difficult decision to skip the entire Madrid-Rome double, prioritizing his readiness for Roland-Garros and the remainder of the season.
The Mental Toll of Physical Setbacks
Beyond the physical pain, Sinner was remarkably open about the psychological struggle of being sidelined. For an athlete known for his relentless work ethic and calm demeanor, the inability to train and compete at 100% has been a unique challenge. "The mind suffers when the body does not follow," he admitted.
He described the internal conflict of wanting to push through the pain versus the necessity of listening to his body and medical team. "There is always a voice that says 'you can play, it's not that bad,' but another, more responsible voice says 'if you play now, you might not play for the next three months.' This balance is very difficult, especially when you love this sport so much."
Sinner credited his support team for keeping him grounded during this period. "Darren and my whole team have been incredible. They remind me that I am 22, that I have a long career ahead, and that one month of caution is nothing in the grand scheme. We have big goals, not just for this year but for the next ten years."
Looking Ahead: A Cautious Return on Clay
His return to competition in Monte Carlo marks a critical test. The demanding clay surface, with its longer rallies and sliding movements, will be the ultimate proving ground for his hip. Sinner has tempered expectations, emphasizing that his primary goal is to stay healthy and regain match rhythm without immediate pressure to win titles.
"I feel better, for sure," he said regarding his physical state. "But we have to be smart. The first match will be important to see how the body reacts. I am not thinking about winning the tournament; I am thinking about playing without pain and building from there. Step by step."
The tennis world will be watching his progress closely. A fit and firing Sinner is crucial for the narrative of the 2024 season, particularly with the French Open and Wimbledon on the horizon. His main rivals, including Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, have also faced their own physical issues this year, making the battle for supremacy as much about durability as it is about skill.
A Lesson in Humility and Growth
In the end, Sinner's candid admission about his behaviour and his struggles serves as a powerful reminder of the human element in professional sports. The journey is not always linear, and even the most composed champions face moments of vulnerability. His willingness to acknowledge his mistake and discuss the mental hurdles of injury demonstrates a maturity that belies his age.
"This is a learning process for me," Sinner concluded. "I learned that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. The important thing is how you react. I am working to come back stronger, both physically and mentally. I want to be a player that people can look up to, both for my tennis and for how I handle difficult moments."
As he steps onto the clay in Monte Carlo, the focus will not only be on his forehand or his movement but on the resilience of a young champion navigating the first major adversity of his reign at the top of the game. The path forward, much like a clay-court rally, requires patience, precision, and a strong mind.