Jannik Sinner tried to extinguish the strong criticisms received on social media and presented himself at the Halle ATP 500 event, in Germany. The Italian tennis player wants to find more confidence on grass to prepare for Wimbledon, scheduled in two weeks.

In an interview for the Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Sinner said, also talking about Roger Federer: “Last week I trained in Monaco and I saw him there, it was strange. It was unfortunate that I couldn’t face him, but it’s always nice to talk to Roger.

Favorite moment of his career? Difficult to choose one, but I would say the victory in Australia in 2017. Which player comes to mind when I think of grass? Federer, of course.”

Sinner on the Halle ATP 500 In the same interview, Sinner explained: “The last few tournaments haven’t gone as I would like, but it doesn’t matter. I’m doing well in the Race for Turin, I’m in the top 10 and I’m not 22 yet.

There’s here in Halle I have no points to defend: I will go onto the court happy, with a smile on my face and with the desire to enjoy every moment. I don’t feel so confident right now on the grass. But I can build it every day in training or hopefully by winning games.

Let’s see how it goes. We need to adapt quickly to these conditions. Before Wimbledon last year, I had always lost on this surface. I arrived at the tournament with no expectations, then step by step I grew. Now in my head I know that I can play well on grass.

It affects more mentally than physically. There are not many exchanges, you have to be ready and have a quick reaction time. But above all you have to take advantage of the opportunities and, if this doesn’t happen, move on immediately.

The intention is to appear on the net more often. Also because, if you don’t do it, you lose on grass. My game allows me to do that.”