“It’s a very unique court here”: Jannik Sinner admits Paris conditions still puzzle him despite strong start

Jannik Sinner began his Paris Masters journey with another composed performance, defeating Belgium’s Zizou Bergs 6-4, 6-2 in just 88 minutes. The Italian, who lifted the Vienna Open trophy only four days ago, continued his remarkable indoor streak — now standing at 22 consecutive wins on indoor hard courts. His precise serving, clean striking, and calm attitude once again gave him an easy victory.

After the match, Sinner reflected on his performance, highlighting that movement was the key factor on what he described as a “very unique court.” “I felt like mostly the movement [was good],” he said. “Usually I always struggled a bit here, so I’m very happy to come through the first match. I’m very happy how I served today. I was very precise, and I also started off with a break straight away, which gives you a bit more confidence. I’m very happy about today’s performance.”

The numbers backed up the Italian’s assessment. Sinner didn’t face a single break point throughout the encounter and won 77% of his first-serve points, controlling the match from start to finish. Bergs, who came through the qualifiers, found few openings against a player who is playing arguably the most consistent tennis of his career. The result also keeps Sinner’s World No.1 ambitions alive, with Carlos Alcaraz’s early exit to Cameron Norrie opening the door for the Italian to potentially finish the week at the top of the rankings.

So far in 2025, Sinner has reached eight finals — capturing four titles and finishing runner-up four times, all to Alcaraz. His Vienna triumph, coming just days before Paris, was another demonstration of endurance and mental focus. Now, the 24-year-old appears determined to finish the season by taking that final step to the top of men’s tennis.

During his on-court interview, Sinner explained that the surface at the new Paris-Bercy arena poses unique challenges for timing and rhythm. “It’s a very unique court here,” he said. “With new balls, the ball still goes quite fast, it’s not as bouncy, but then after the ball gets quite big and slow. That changes the timing a little bit.”

Sinner admitted he has “never played really well” in Paris before, but this time he looks ready to change that narrative. His improved precision on serve and confidence from the baseline showed in every aspect of his performance. The ability to adapt quickly to different conditions — something that has defined his great season, with a 49-6 record including 4 titles, two of them in grand Slam.

With the ATP No.1 spot within reach, pressure could easily become a distraction. Yet, Sinner’s calm, methodical approach suggests otherwise. Since his breakthrough run earlier this year, he has consistently stressed the importance of process over results — an attitude that seems to be paying off.

Asked about how he feels on court this week, he responded with characteristic composure. “I tried to focus on myself. The first shots are always important on every surface, and that’s something I did very well today,” he said. “Maybe I can give you more feedback from tomorrow on,” he added with a smile.

The world No. 1 will face Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo (No. 21) in the Round of 16. Cerundolo is coming off a victory over Miomir Kecmanovic and has advanced to the third round of the Paris Masters for the third consecutive year. The South American has been particularly effective in Masters 1000 tournaments, reaching at least the fourth round in 5 of the 7 Masters 1000 events he has played this year.