Uncertainty the enemy as Sinner steps onto Monte Carlo clay

Jannik Sinner is hoping that his runaway hardcourt success translates quickly to the clay as the newly minted world No. 2 heads into countdown mode for the Monte Carlo Masters starting on Sunday.

After sweeping Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6- to lift the Miami Masters title at the weekend, the 22-year-old Sinner must now pull off a handbrake turn into the clay season.

The Italian will be playing in the principality main draw for the fourth time, with a semi-final against Holger Rune last season his best performance at the iconic venue.

“I am living a good life now. I mean, I’ve played a lot of matches. I’ve won three tournaments,’ he said after his Miami trophy showing.

“It means a lot but in three, four days, you have practice again and try to get better. So let’s see.

Sinner said that the short turnaround time between the Miami cement and the famed red dirt of the Monte Carlo Country Club will be another tennis test to face.

“We start practice Thursday for the first time… there is not even one week to get used to the clay.. and there are always some strange results usually in Monaco,”

Sinner said that he and his team headed by Aussie coach Darren Cahill will build quickly into the clay campaign at the Masters expected to see the return to action of Rafael Nadal as well as No. 1 Novak Djokovic.

The Italian said he will be working towards the French Open as the clay begins.

“Let’s see what’s coming this year; for sure, the main goal is Roland Garros,

“But I’m trying to work slowly into this tournament (Monte Carlo) and trying to play it in the best possible way. 

“I’m very relaxed. Look, I have the feeling that I have learned many things from last year what I can do better. 

“Physically I’m in a different shape than I was last year, and the clay is a lot more physical. Then we’ll see how it goes.”