Beijing: Jannik Sinner “working on new things” after US Open final loss

Jannik Sinner appears to be making good on his promise to become more unpredictable on the tennis court court, the former world No. 1 discussing changes to his practice repertoire in the wake of a 2025 US Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz.

“We've been reflecting a lot to that final,” Sinner said in a pre-tournament press conference at this week’s China Open. “We are working on new things. We are changing a lot of small things where I'm thinking of now. The amount of mistakes at the moment is for sure a little bit higher, but I hope that this after recovers in a very positive way, no?”

Sinner fell to No. 2 in the ATP rankings after falling one match shy of defending his 2024 title in Flushing Meadows and, following the match, opened up about a desire to be less “predictable” on court.

“I’m going to aim to, you know, maybe even losing some matches from now on, but trying to do some changes, you know, trying to be a bit more unpredictable as a player, because I think that's what I have to do, trying to become a better tennis player,” the Italian said in his runner-up press conference earlier this month.

It was a stark admission from the 24-year-old Italian who otherwise enjoyed a remarkable follow-up to his breakthrough 2024 season, winning two more Grand Slam trophies—including a first Wimbledon title over Alcaraz—and reaching the final of all four major tournaments in 2025. He also maintained a 65-week stretch atop the ATP rankings despite missing three months of tournaments due to a suspension for an anti-doping rule violation incurred last spring.

Still, Sinner feels there’s room for improvement, particularly against Alcaraz, who has become primary rival and leads their head-to-head, 9-5.

“I'm trying to be more prepared for the next match what I will play against him,” Sinner said in New York. “It also, I feel like, depends how you arrive to play against Carlos. You know, one thing is when the scoreline, you know, matches before are comfortable but you always do the same things, like I did, for example, during this tournament, you know, I didn't make one serve-volley, didn't use a lot of drop shots, and then you arrive to a point where you play against Carlos where you have to go out of the comfort zone.”

We've been reflecting a lot to that final. We are working on new things. We are changing a lot of small things where I'm thinking of now. The amount of mistakes at the moment is for sure a little bit higher, but I hope that this after recovers in a very positive way, no? Jannik Sinner

Sinner is the top seed in Beijing, as Alcaraz has opted not to defend his title and instead compete at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships in Tokyo. The Italian will open against Marin Cilic in the first round.

Might fans see a new Sinner on court against the 2014 US Open champion?

“It's just a question of time,” Sinner said of his tactical tweaks. “Let's see how long I take it. I don't know how much I'm able to do it on actual match court because one thing is practice and one thing is match. Let's see.

“Yeah, I'm very motivated. It's great to work on something new, then we see how this ends up. We always try to move forward. One step in front is always better than two steps back. Let's see what we can do.”