Jannik Sinner delivered another controlled performance at the Madrid Open on Sunday, but the most memorable moment came after the match. A brief misunderstanding during his on-court interview shifted the tone, producing a spontaneous exchange that quickly drew attention. “It’s not a dating app… I don’t need a dating app,” Sinner said, clarifying the confusion.
The World No. 1 had just defeated Elmer Møller 6-2, 6-3 to move into the third round, extending his winning streak at Masters 1000 level to 24 matches. The result followed a clean, uninterrupted pattern, with no visible impact from his more complicated opening against Benjamin Bonzi earlier in the week.
Sinner’s current run continues to separate him from the field. He has now won 48 of his last 50 sets at Masters level, while his overall winning streak stands at 19 matches. The consistency has been built not only on results, but on the absence of fluctuations within matches, particularly in early rounds.
In Madrid, a tournament where he has not previously progressed beyond the quarter-finals, his early performances suggest a different trajectory. The efficiency shown against Møller — controlled baseline exchanges, high first-serve percentage and minimal error count — reinforces that shift.
“I don’t need a dating app”: Sinner laughs off interview confusion
The most notable moment came after the match, shortly after Jannik Sinner had secured a 6-2, 6-3 win over Elmer Møller to move into the third round of the Madrid Open. With his 24th consecutive Masters 1000 victory already confirmed, the focus briefly shifted away from the match during the on-court interview.
“It’s not good yet, but my goal is to speak Spanish within one year,” Sinner said. “I try to learn. I have an Argentinian physio, which helps for sure. I understand a little bit, but I cannot speak yet.”
Asked whether he uses any apps to improve, he added: “I still need to find out. There’s Duolingo, or the other one—Babbel, right? Let’s see.”
The exchange then shifted when “Babbel” was briefly misheard as “Bumble,” prompting an immediate clarification from Sinner, who kept his tone unchanged.
“No, no, it’s not,” he said. “It’s not a dating app… I don’t need a dating app.”
“I thought you said Bumble,” the interviewer replied.
“No—Babbel,” Sinner clarified. “Yes, yes.”
Controlled performance sustains Masters dominance
On court, the match against Elmer Møller unfolded without disruption. Jannik Sinner dictated from the baseline, limited unforced errors and avoided extended pressure on serve, closing both sets with minimal resistance. The contrast with the earlier match against Benjamin Bonzi was clear, with no mid-match dips or momentum shifts.
This level of control has defined his recent Masters 1000 run. By managing early rounds efficiently, Sinner preserves physical margin while maintaining rhythm, a factor that becomes increasingly relevant deeper into the tournament.
Alongside a run that now includes 24 consecutive Masters 1000 wins and 48 of his last 50 sets at this level, his interactions off the court are becoming more fluid. In Madrid, both elements are progressing without disruption. Sinner will next face either Cameron Norrie or Thiago Agustín Tirante, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.