J. SINNER/T. Fritz
6-4, 6-4
THE MODERATOR: Jannik, well done. How do you compare your level tonight with your first match?
JANNIK SINNER: It was a very, yeah, high-level match. I feel like we both played some great tennis. Completely different match than the first one. I don't want to compare, but it was a very tough match, tough encounter, and I'm very happy about the win.
THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.
Q. You missed the Italian Open. You haven't played in Italy really for a year. What are your emotions when you come here and how is this different than playing everywhere else throughout the year?
JANNIK SINNER: Yeah, it's different. I mean, it's Italy. The crowd is amazing. They stand with you in good or in bad. I like that. I haven't played Rome, which for me was a tough one to call, but I was not ready physical.
But now I'm here after 12 months. I really enjoy it. It's like I never take these chances for granted. This is a bit different tournament than all the others because you have to qualify for it. Already you have a good standing by qualifying for it. Every match is tough.
Yeah, I'm very happy to be here. The crowd is always amazing.
Q. What does it feel like when you're going down the street around the stadium and maybe other parts of the city, and all you see is posters of Jannik Sinner on the light poles and places like that? Does it feel strange? Are you totally used to something like that now?
JANNIK SINNER: No, I'm surprised. I mean, I'm just a 23-year-old man who just plays tennis. I mean, I had some sponsors, and the headquarter is from here, like Lavazza and Intesa. They are from here. I love the families of my sponsors and I love the connection I have with them.
Playing in Italy for an Italian, it's very, very special. I never, as I said before, take things granted.
I'm still surprised sometimes. It's not that it's all normal. But I try to get used to it. I'm just trying to play some good tennis on the court, which that's why is the reason why I'm here for.
Q. Is it sometimes maybe also a little overwhelming? I imagine the last times you were here in Turin, you were maybe able to get out to a restaurant and do something where you're not the center of the attention. Has that changed for you? Is this different compared to last year?
JANNIK SINNER: The people, they love the sport here. They are expecting the tennis player here. Of course, there are people outside of the hotel waiting for us when we come out. It's a very warm welcome for all of us. I enjoy it personally. It's something different as all the other tournaments.
I don't go out in restaurants to eat this week because I'm mostly here trying to practice or trying to rest in the hotel. It's a very special week for all of us eight.
The Italian crowd is something what they really love the sport. This week is about tennis. Usually in Italy it's about football, so...
They are just very passionate fans.
Q. When players reach the top of the tour, sometimes it seems their opponents approach the match with different mentality and game plan. Have you noticed any difference in the way opponents play you now versus two years ago?
JANNIK SINNER: Yeah, of course. There are always differences. I always say every match is different in one way. Doesn't really matter when was the last time you play against them or not.
I was also in the position when I played against No. 1s in the world. You go on court and you don't have too much to lose. This is normal.
It's also a bit different because there are players who beat me already and you don't think anymore he's No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. You just go by the knowledge from the past meetings and you try to improve as a player.
That's what I try to do with all my opponents. I'm just trying to stay in a very present moment. Not thinking back, not thinking in the future. This is a very present sport where you have to watch what's coming in this moment.
Yeah, it's all good.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports