J. SINNER/J. de Jong
6-4, 6-2
THE MODERATOR: Questions for Jannik.
Q. Jack Draper, I know you're friends with him and train with him. He's been very supportive of you since August. He said to me that he felt it was important for people to know that you're a kindhearted person and a genuine human being. How much have you appreciated that support and what has that meant for you in a tough moment?
JANNIK SINNER: Well, me and Jack, we know each other for quite long. We got to know each other better now when he came to the level where we are.
I think we all players know how strong he was, what potential he had, and now he's showing it, no? He's one of the best player, maybe the most consistent player we have throughout this season. He keeps showing up every day.
We find ourself in a great friendship because we are very similar as people. We are humble. We try to do our best on court. Off court we are just very simple people.
His support meant so much to me and some other players. Whoever supported me in this period, I really, really appreciate that. Yeah, for me it was very good. It was positive energy.
It was good with him to practice in Monaco couple of weeks ago. I've always been his biggest fan. When I cannot play or when he's still in tournament, I wish him only the best.
Of course things are a little bit more competitive now because he's in the position where he is, top-five player. But it doesn't really matter because off court we have a great friendship and we will keep that for sure. I'm very sure that we will keep that throughout our whole careers.
He's a very, very good human being, very genuine. All things he said is coming back to him because he's a good man.
Q. On the court today when you were able to raise your level at 4-All, was it a relief that you felt able to do that when you were being pushed in the first set? Physically, how have you been recovering from not having had so many matches in the last three months?
JANNIK SINNER: Physically, the first match was okay. I recovered quite good. Obviously matches, they are a bit different. The impact on our body is for sure different than only practice sessions.
No, I feel good. I started off very well today, then I had drop, which usually this drop is one and a half games. Today was three games, three and a half games. But it's normal. It's the second match I play in three and a half months. It's long time.
As I said, every chance I have to play one more match is very positive. Putting myself here that I can play the third match, it's already very, very good for me and my progress. Then we see what's coming.
Of course, I know I have to raise my level tomorrow. Let's see what's coming. But I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a good test.
Q. A word on Jesper's performance today and the potential you see for him.
JANNIK SINNER: Jesper first of all is an amazing person. We got to know each other a little bit better in the last period. He's a very, very solid player. Physically strong. He can run a lot. He has great forehand when he has time. Backhand very solid. He tries to mix up the game with some dropshots, which today worked very, very well.
I have a feeling that he's going to improve still quite a lot. He's young, like me. We always try to be better as players.
But it's great to see him making these kind of steps. Of course, when you're playing on center court, it's different. You have to get used to it.
I wish him only the best for his career. And also today, he was close. Things can change so quickly. If I'm 5-4 down, then I'm under pressure also.
Yeah, I hope it's nothing serious with his wrist, which I think now is the most important, trying to recover for Paris, and then we see. I wish him only the best.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports