The tennis world collectively held its breath following Jannik Sinner`s withdrawal from the Cincinnati final due to illness. As the US Open approaches, a crucial question hangs in the air: how will this affect the young Italian`s championship bid? To shed light on the matter, former world No. 3 and Roger Federer`s ex-coach, Ivan Ljubicic, offered his seasoned perspective, touching upon Sinner`s recovery, his burgeoning rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz, and the broader challenges facing professional tennis today.
Sinner`s Health: A Race Against Time?
Ljubicic, known for his pragmatic insights, underscored the critical role of Sinner`s recovery timeline. “It depends on how long it lasts,” he stated, referring to the illness. “If he recovers in two to three days, there will be no setback. But if he needs to rest for the entire week, then it becomes complicated to regain the necessary form to win a Slam.”
The former top player highlighted the unique demands of a Major tournament, particularly the US Open. Best-of-five set matches, combined with New York`s notorious heat and humidity, are formidable energy drains. While Sinner might face more manageable opponents in the early rounds, sustained physical exertion under challenging conditions could severely hamper his deeper run into the tournament. It`s a subtle reminder that even the fittest athletes are, indeed, human.
The Sinner-Alcaraz Nexus: A Hard-Court Showdown Awaits?
The tennis community eagerly anticipates another Grand Slam final clash between Sinner and Alcaraz, dubbed the sport`s next great rivalry. With Alcaraz triumphing on clay at Roland Garros and Sinner on grass at Wimbledon, the hard courts of Flushing Meadows present the deciding battleground. Ljubicic acknowledged Alcaraz`s 5-2 lead in hard-court head-to-heads (excluding the Cincinnati non-match) but was quick to point out that hard courts are arguably Sinner`s strongest surface.
“All things considered, I would say they would start on equal footing,” Ljubicic opined. Their matches are consistently hard-fought, often going the distance, making them a thrilling spectacle for fans. He unequivocally stated, “They are clearly ahead of everyone else; it would surprise me if they didn`t reach the final, with the only question mark being Jannik`s health.”
Delving into tactical nuances, Ljubicic emphasized the importance of surface speed in New York. Historically, US Open courts are quite fast, meaning high topspin trajectories are less effective. Aggressive play and exceptional physical movement are paramount. While both players embody an aggressive style, Alcaraz`s pronounced topspin and frequent drop shots might yield fewer dividends on these faster courts. The level of service, often a neglected aspect in casual analysis, will also be a critical differentiator.
The Wider Field and Italian Hopes
When pressed on potential “outsiders,” Ljubicic’s response mirrored the fluidity of the current men`s game beyond the top two. “Like with the Big Three generation, the situation with challengers is quite fluid. Someone different can emerge depending on their form.” The usual suspects remain: Fritz, Zverev, and, of course, the enduring presence of Djokovic.
For Italian tennis, Ljubicic offered mixed appraisals. Lorenzo Musetti, despite his undeniable talent, has “lost some form after Roland Garros” and is currently striving to regain his rhythm. Nevertheless, he remains a “top ten player,” his foundational quality beyond doubt. Flavio Cobolli, on the other hand, might be poised for a surprise. “Now he believes in himself more and is more aware of his abilities,” Ljubicic noted, hinting at a potential breakthrough.
Sinner`s `Fragility` and Alcaraz`s Consistency
A recurring narrative around Sinner has been his occasional physical issues. Ljubicic decisively dismissed the idea of inherent fragility. “For me, these are unrelated cases. Jannik had a hip problem that he fixed, then he was just unlucky: the fall on his elbow, the alleged virus. It doesn`t mean at all that his body is fragile.” This perspective provides a reassuring counterpoint to public speculation, framing Sinner`s physical challenges as isolated incidents rather than a systemic weakness.
Regarding Sinner`s relentless pursuit of perfection, particularly concerning his serve, Ljubicic conceded it`s his “least natural shot.” However, he added, “every champion has a sort of fixation on the shot where they feel least prepared. For Jannik, it`s the serve, even though it has improved tremendously.”
Turning to Alcaraz, who arrived at Cincinnati on the back of seven consecutive finals, Ljubicic observed a crucial development: “He has found consistency in results, because performances are always a bit fluctuating. The big difference… is that the Spaniard has found a way to win even those matches where certain shots don`t come off for him.” This ability to grind out wins even when not at his peak is a hallmark of elite players, a natural maturation for a 22-year-old talent.
The Race for Year-End No. 1 and Tour Calendar Concerns
The battle for the year-end No. 1 ranking remains fierce. Alcaraz currently holds a substantial lead of nearly 2000 points in the Race. “If he wins the US Open and Sinner loses in the early rounds, it becomes difficult for Jannik to recover,” Ljubicic admitted. However, he sees a clearer path for Sinner if he performs well in New York, especially considering the upcoming indoor hard-court Masters in Paris and the ATP Finals – “Sinner`s hunting grounds” – which offer a combined 2500 points.
Perhaps Ljubicic`s most pointed critique was reserved for the tour`s overarching structure and its impact on player welfare. The expansion of ATP 1000 tournaments to 12 days, he argued, significantly complicates recovery and training schedules. “What we saw in Cincinnati makes one reflect,” he stated, referring to the extreme heat and humidity. “I can`t understand why they insist on playing in such heat and humidity. Athletes risk getting hurt, the public doesn`t enjoy it. Something must be done.”
It`s a stark reminder that while the sport continues its global expansion, driven by financial incentives and broader reach, the physical toll on its most valuable assets – the players – is becoming increasingly evident. One might suggest the ATP tour`s calendar committee prioritizes broadcast deals and maximizing revenue over athletes` long-term well-being, but surely that`s just cynical speculation. The former pro`s comments serve as a clarion call for a re-evaluation of the professional circuit`s demands, aiming for a balance between entertainment, financial growth, and, crucially, athlete health.
