“I'm trying to be slightly more aggressive”: Jannik Sinner outlines improvements ahead of Indian Wells

Jannik Sinner arrives at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Indian Wells aiming to add another title to his growing collection while continuing to refine key aspects of his game. The Italian world No. 2 is chasing his sixth trophy at this level and his first at the BNP Paribas Open, a tournament where he has previously reached the semi-finals twice.

Sinner’s early 2026 campaign has featured limited tournament play but significant challenges. The 22-year-old has competed in only two events so far this season. At the Australian Open he reached the semi-finals before losing to Novak Djokovic in a five-set battle, while his run at the Qatar Open ended with a quarter-final defeat to Czech rising star Jakub Mensik, the reigning Miami Open champion.

Despite those results, Sinner remains firmly positioned among the leading contenders on the ATP Tour. In the ATP Live Rankings he currently sits at world No. 2, trailing world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz by approximately 2,800 points as the season moves toward the prestigious Sunshine Double.

Indian Wells therefore represents both an opportunity and a test for the Italian. The tournament marks the first ATP Masters 1000 stop of the Sunshine Double, and Sinner will begin his campaign in the California desert against either Australia’s James Duckworth or a qualifier in the second round.

Speaking during his pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday, Sinner emphasized that development remains a constant priority despite his position among the sport’s elite. The Italian said he and his team have spent considerable time on court during preparation week, working on small tactical adjustments ahead of the event.

He explained that the training block in California had been particularly demanding, reflecting the importance of maintaining progress even during a busy season. “I think we are always trying to progress with our games," the 4-time Grand Slam champion said. "I feel like we are doing a great job. It has been a very hard practice week here for me. We spent many, many hours of practice.”

Sinner also pointed to specific changes he hopes to introduce into his game during the tournament. Known for his consistency and precision from the baseline, he said the next step in his development involves adding slightly more attacking intent during rallies.

“[I am] very happy with how I'm feeling on the court, and obviously we try to go as far as possible in the tournament," the 24-year-old Italian added. "In the same time, we also try to improve a couple of things. I'm trying to be slightly more aggressive at times on the baseline, and then we see how it goes.”

The comments reflect a broader trend among top players who continue refining their styles even after reaching the highest levels of the sport. For Sinner, incremental adjustments in shot selection and court positioning may prove decisive as he seeks another deep run at a Masters 1000 event.

Beyond tactical development, Sinner also discussed the increasing importance of connecting with fans away from the competitive environment. Like many athletes of his generation, the Italian has expanded his digital presence, including behind-the-scenes content that provides insight into life on tour.

He acknowledged that supporters often see only the competitive side of professional tennis and that new media formats can offer a more complete view of the personalities involved. “I feel like fans, they don't know exactly how we are as a person, so this helps also to show how I am off the courts. I think it's something great.”

Sinner noted that he personally enjoys consuming similar content from athletes in other sports, describing it as a way to better understand their preparation and daily routines. “Me personally, I love to watch also other YouTube videos from other sports people, and it's of course something different. You have behind my team what makes it by itself. You know, I don't have to worry about anything else.”

As the Indian Wells tournament begins, Sinner’s focus remains firmly on translating preparation into results on court. With five Masters 1000 titles already to his name, the Italian enters the event among the favourites while continuing his pursuit of a first trophy in the California desert.