Jannik Sinner gives his immediate reaction after winning first match since losing French Open final to Carlos Alcaraz

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Jannik Sinner hadn’t been seen on court since losing in the final of this year’s French Open.

The Italian world number one won the first Grand Slam of the year at the Australian Open in January, beating Alexander Zverev in the final.

Looking to extend his Grand Slam-winning run, Sinner reached the final of the French Open, where he came face to face with his greatest rival, Carlos Alcaraz.

Coming up short after five hours and 29 minutes of thrilling action, Sinner lost to Alcaraz 6-4, 7-6, 4-6, 6-7, 6-7.

Returning to action on grass at the Halle Open, Sinner began his title defence with a strong 7-5, 6-3 win over German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann.

During his on-court interview, the ATP world number one gave his immediate reaction to his first win on grass in 2025.

Jannik Sinner says he was ‘very happy’ with his performance as he continues Wimbledon preparations

Speaking after the match, Sinner assessed his performance against Hanfmann in Halle.

“I’m very happy because you never know what is happening, he is a great baseliner and a great server. Breaking him is very difficult on this surface. I’m very happy how I handled it and the tough situations mentally,” he said.

“The first set could have gone to a tiebreak, and then anything can happen, but still I’m very happy with my performance.

“The first match is never easy on grass, also the second and third, so let’s see what is coming in the next round. I’m very happy, I think I have a day off tomorrow, which is good, because the body feels different on this surface, so let’s see how I’m going to react.”

Sinner was then asked whether transitions from surface to surface are as easy as he makes them look.

“No, it takes time,” he said.

“You cannot practise the actual match, so I’m happy that I have at least one more match before Wimbledon, which for me is very important, and then we’ll see.

“I tried to stay calm mentally, serve through my service games, and then see what I can reach in the return games, seeing all things considered, I’m very happy.”

Sinner’s first serve was strong against Hanfmann, making up for a below-par second serve performance.

The Italian may well need his second serve % to improve if he is to win his second-round match in Halle.

Jannik Sinner prepares for second-round clash with ‘huge talent’ Alexander Bublik

Next up for Sinner is Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik, whom he beat at the French Open recently.

The pair have played one another five times in total, with Sinner leading the head-to-head 4-1.

Bublik did, however, beat Sinner in their one previous meeting at the Halle Open, en route to winning the biggest title of his career two years ago.

Well aware of the dangers Bublik poses, Sinner shared his thoughts on the world number 45.

“He’s a great player, great talent, actually a huge talent, and grass is his favorite surface,” said Sinner.

“He beat me here in Halle, he won here in Halle, it’s for sure a place he loves to play, but I’m trying to stay calm mentally, trying to see what I can reach, but he’s a great server, a great talent, he can do whatever he wants, so let’s see, it’s hopefully going to be a good match.”

Bublik beat Alexandre Muller 6-4, 6-4, in his opening match to set up a French Open rematch with Sinner.

The pair will face off for a place in the quarterfinals of the Halle Open on Thursday, June 19.