Sinner: Light and Loose for Indian Wells
By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/ROLEX
Jannik Sinner is lightening up as he launches his hunt for a maiden Indian Wells title.
World No. 2 Sinner met the media at the BNP Paribas Open today and shared one adjustment he’s made in the aftermath of his Australian Open semifinal defeat to Novak Djokovic is to lighten up his Nike kit.
Remember, Sinner was cramping badly and looked like he might tap out of his AO third-round match against American Eliot Spizzirri on a sweltering Melbourne day in January. Sinner got a welcome reprieve when officials closed the retractable roof and he rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4 triumph.
Since that cramping comeback win, Sinner has primarily worn white shorts on court in an effort to diminish draining effect of the heat. Sinner wore a gold top and white shorts in Doha where he reached the quarterfinals losing to Miami Open champion Jakub Mensik.
“There was more a question of not being as dark because of the sun,” Sinner said today. “I had some problems with Spizzirri at some points, having cramps, and we realized that I was wearing quite dark colors, and that’s the reason we changed a bit in white.
“Look, we change so many times the outfits throughout the whole year. Basically every couple of tournaments we have new outfits, so it’s also not easy to always have, you know, something what looks perfect in that court, but in the same time, I believe, you know, there is such a big team
behind to make great outfits.
“So we’re getting more involved next year, but in the same time, I think they are doing a great, great job.”
The Wimbledon winner said he’s pleased with his Palm Springs practice sessions and feels relaxed ahead of his Indian Wells opener against either Aussie James Duckworth or a qualifier. Sinner could face either Denis Shapovalov, who pushed him at the US Open last summer, or Stefanos Tsitsipas in round three.
“I feel like we are doing a great job. It has been a very hard practice week here for me,” Sinner said. “We spent many, many hours of practice. Very happy with how I’m feeling on the court, and obviously
we try to go as far as possible in the tournament. In the same time, we also try to improve a couple of things.”
That approach includes asserting his aggression from the baseline and trying to take charge from the first strike.
“I’m trying to be slightly more aggressive at times on the baseline, and then we see how it goes,” Sinner said. “The season was good. I mean, semis in Australia and in Doha what happened, but I’m very
happy how and what mental moment I am in.
“As I said, you know, we try to maximize our potential. Season has just started, so it’s very important couple of tournaments for me before going on the clay. I know that. But I feel good to play some good tennis, and as I said, now we see how it goes.”
Post Comment