Jannik Sinner secured his place in the Madrid Open Round of 16 yesterday, but he hardly did so in emphatic fashion.
Labouring to a straight sets win over an opponent he really should have cruised past, it became clear quite early on that the 22-year-old was suffering from some kind of ailment.
And whilst Pavel Kotov could not capitalise on the day, another, higher-ranked player might have done.
We now have an update on the likelihood that Sinner will continue in this tournament.
Jannik Sinner provides update after tough Madrid Open win
Speaking immediately after his short but surprisingly gruelling clash with the 25-year-old Russian, Sinner cut a dejected figure, having spoken to the physio and his team throughout the clash.
At one point, he was even caught claiming that he was in immense pain, making his win all the more miraculous.
However, he surely cannot continue with that level of discomfort, and as such the interviewer asked for a fitness update.
Sinner noted: ‘I’ve struggled now a little bit in the last period with my right hip.. we’re trying to find a solution. I don’t think it’s anything serious. But I can feel it.
‘Sometimes I feel it more like today. Some days are a little better. Let’s see. I have a good team behind me. We’ll try to get my body going for tomorrow. We’ll decide tomorrow what’s best for me and best for the body. I’m looking forward to it, it’s gonna be a tough match.’
Jannik Sinner will not be able to scrape past Karen Khachanov
Whilst Sinner performed admirably to come through with a win against Kotov, things will not be so easy in his match later today, as he faces Karen Khachanov.
The Russian, who has already impressed on clay this season in Monte Carlo, is no slouch, having claimed some impressive wins already in 2024 as well as winning a title.
And whilst it was a rout when these two players last met, that Sinner was very different to the one we are seeing now.
Back then in January the Italian was on fire, and admittedly cruised to the Australian Open title, his first Grand Slam.
However, having now admitted the fitness issues he is facing, it could prove to be a long afternoon for the young superstar.
When faced with those debilitating issues against Kotov, he was fortunate that his opponent, ranked 72nd in the world, could not put him to the sword. But an in-form Kachanov will not be so kind, and should he even feel a shred of doubt regarding his fitness, Sinner might want to cut his losses and start his rehabilitation early.
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