Australian Open 2021: Training with Nadal biggest lesson this month - Sinner after Shapovalov defeat
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Updated 08/02/2021 at 17:18 GMT
Up-and-coming Italian Jannik Sinner beamed when he reflected on spending time training with Rafael Nadal in preparation for the Australian Open, after a five set defeat to Denis Shapovalov in the first round. The 19-year-old world number 32 said the manner of his loss will be “a lesson”, but that he’s learning to “stay on court with the right mentality”.
Jannik Sinner during first round defeat to Denis Shapovalov
Image credit: Getty Images
Jannik Sinner says he learnt a “big, big lesson” in preparing for the Australian Open by practicing with Rafael Nadal, after losing in the first round to Denis Shapovalov.
The up-and-coming Italian was more than a match for Canada’s 11th seed, taking him all the way to five sets before Shapovalov claimed a 3-6 6-3 6-2 4-6 6-4 victory in a match which finished in the early hours of Tuesday morning, Melbourne time.
The world number 32 said his time in Australia was in no way a wasted experience, as he reflected on training with 20-time Grand Slam champion Nadal.
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Highlights | Denis Shapovalov - Jannik Sinner
“I think practice with Rafa” answered Sinner, when asked what was the biggest lesson he learnt during his time Down Under.
“It's a big, big lesson. Even today I lost, but, you know, I have to understand why I lost and then it's going to be a big lesson, as well, I think.
“So it's not the only one but I think firstly to come here, the reason why we came here was to practice with Rafa for two weeks, because I think he can give me many things about how to stay on court with the right mentality and I think that's the biggest lesson.
“Even today it's, for me, mentally tough losing here in the fifth, but it's going to be a lesson, as well.”
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Sinner believes Shapovalov’s serving was the difference in a match with little to separate the players, but he’s delighted he has the chance to step on to a match court again.
“Over the lockdown I have missed competing. I'm here to compete.
“I'm already looking forward to improve day after day, and playing next tournament with the right mentality.”
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