"I have to be, for sure, more in shape": Jannik Sinner admits need for improved fitness to win more Grand Slams

World number one Jannik Sinner has admitted that he has to be in a ‘better shape’ if he wants to win a Grand Slam. The 23-year-old is already regarded as one of the best players currently playing in the singles category in men’s tennis, along with Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz and Serbia’s Novak Djokovic.

Sinner is currently participating in the Cincinnati Open, where he booked his place in the final after beating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the semifinal with a score of 7-6, 5-7, 7-6 on Sunday. Talking after the match, the reigning world number one highlighted the importance of the result for him after going through a bit of a physical struggle in the recent past. Sinner also went on to admit that he has to be in better shape if he wants to win more Grand Slams in the future.

"It means a lot to me. It's a very different moment, what I'm going through, so I'm very happy about this result," he said. "The physical aspect, of course, I have to improve, because if I want to win Grand Slams or a bigger title, I have to be, for sure, more in shape. But I just tried to stay there mentally, which I'm very proud [of], and let's see what's coming [Monday].”

Sinner has only won one major title in his career which was the Australian Open this year. He defeated Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in the final in a five-set thriller with a score of 3–6, 3–6, 6–4, 6–4, 6–3. The San Candido-born will now face America’s Frances Tiafoe in the final of the Cincinnati Open. He defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud in the semifinal with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4). It will be the fourth meeting between the two in professional tennis. In the previous three meetings, Sinner had a slight edge as he won twice.