Jannik Sinner wasted no time in getting his Australian Open campaign up and running, finishing off Hugo Gaston in just over an hour.
The match at Rod Laver Arena ended early when Gaston retired while trailing 6-2, 6-1. Sinner, a two-time champion here, will now face James Duckworth as he chases a fifth Grand Slam title.
Even though Sinner was happy with how he played against Gaston, he pointed out that there is still one part of his game that needs work.
Jannik Sinner says his serve still has a way to go
Speaking to reporters after his win, Sinner was asked about what adjustments he’s made to his serve since the US Open.
He said: “Yeah, I mean, it’s not only US Open. I felt like the serve was and still is a shot where I need to improve.
“It’s the only shot we have where we can do everything by ourselves. There is a lot of room to improve.
“We changed a little bit the motion, the rhythm of the serve. Before it was a bit too fast in the beginning. Now it’s a bit slower.
“And the toss usually was a bit more in front a bit on the right. Now it’s a bit more back and over the head.
“At times I still lose it. It’s not a shot where I feel very safe with. But at the same time we are working on that.”
“Yeah, it is one of if not the most important shots we have because it can give you so many great things,” he added.
Jannik Sinner’s serve struggles don’t sound like good news for his rivals
That’s not exactly the kind of news Sinner’s rivals on the ATP Tour will be hoping to hear.
The idea that Sinner still sees areas where he can improve, especially given how much he’s already achieved, isn’t comforting for anyone trying to catch up.
He’s only 24, with plenty of time ahead to keep learning and address any weaknesses—though there aren’t many in his game as it is.
In the shorter term, this was just his first match of the season. Any signs of rust should disappear as he gets more matches under his belt in Melbourne.
What’s interesting is that current ATP stats don’t really back up the need for major changes. Sinner is already ranked among the top serve leaders.
And that’s not all—he also tops the rankings in return and pressure situations, showing just how complete a player he’s become.
- READ MORE: Jannik Sinner says there’s still one shot that isn’t clicking despite a strong start in Melbourne
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