Jannik Sinner Advances in Madrid: ‘What we have is Why I Won’

Jannik Sinner survived a stern test from Benjamin Bonzi to reach the second round of the Mutua Madrid Open on Friday, April 25, 2026, crediting his composure after losing the opening set as the decisive factor in his victory.

The Italian world No. 1 dropped the first set to the French qualifier but regrouped to win in straight sets thereafter, overcoming the unique challenges posed by Madrid’s high-altitude conditions. Speaking after the match, Sinner acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter while emphasizing the importance of mental resilience.

“Today was hard, I had quite a few problems,” Sinner said. “You’ll see special conditions here that can change from day to day. I’m trying to adjust as best I can.” He added that after losing the opening set, he focused on staying calm: “After losing the first set against Bonzi, I tried to remain calm. That’s the reason I won today.”

The Madrid Masters, held at an elevation of nearly 700 meters, creates distinctive playing conditions where the ball bounces higher but travels faster through the air. This elevates the importance of the serve, even on clay. Sinner noted he faced no break points against Bonzi, a testament to his serving effectiveness under these circumstances.

Despite the advantages of his serve, Bonzi — who had taken sets from Sinner in their two previous meetings — pushed the Italian hard throughout the match. Sinner admitted there is still room for improvement in his game but expressed confidence in his team’s ability to identify areas for growth.

“In tennis, there’s still room to get better,” Sinner said. “I’ll use tomorrow’s rest day to work on the right details. My team and I know what needs to be done.”

Looking ahead, Sinner downplayed immediate thoughts of extending his Masters 1000 streak, stating his focus remains on preparation rather than outcomes. “I know what’s at stake in this tournament, but right now my focus isn’t on that,” he said.

The victory keeps Sinner on course for a deep run in Madrid as he prepares for his second-round opponent. His next match is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2026, against Holger Rune, whom he defeated in their most recent encounter earlier this season.

For continued updates on Jannik Sinner’s progress at the Mutua Madrid Open and other ATP Tour events, fans can follow official tournament channels and trusted sports news outlets.

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