"I don't like to talk about ranking" says Jannik Sinner on World No.1 before U-turn to describe ranking dream

After capturing his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2024 Australian Open, Jannik Sinner has revealed his aspirations of becoming the top-ranked player in the sport.

The Italian rallied from two-sets-to-love down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the Melbourne final two weeks ago, cementing his spot as one of the best players on the planet. Sinner was scheduled to return to the court in Marseille after his triumph Down Under, but the 22-year opted opted to skip the event and will be making his return this week at the Rotterdam Open.

When speaking to press in The Netherlands ahead of the Rotterdam Open, Sinner was asked if he would like to reach the summit of the ATP rankings. The World No.4 appeared reluctant to divulge his answer, but eventually admitted becoming the top-ranked player was one of his goals.

“Let’s see. I don’t like to talk about ranking," said Sinner. "I just try to be happy on court and improve as a player right? That’s the only thing I can control. And then the rest you cannot control the uncontrollable. So I’m happy that I’m [ranked] four at the moment. For sure, my dream is to become number one in the world, and I will work as hard as possible.”

The Davis Cup champion could gain 200 points in Rotterdam this week, as he is defending runner-up points from his defeat to the aforementioned Medvedev in the final last year. Sinner begins his Rotterdam campaign against home favourite Botic Van de Zandschulp, in a rematch of the first round from the Australian Open.