Jannik Sinner is dominating at the Cincinnati Open, where he holds the defending champion title.
The world No. 1 has advanced to the last 16, setting up a Wednesday showdown with Adrian Mannarino. While Sinner, who was recently forced to play through some loud noise, has been allowing his tennis to speak volumes this week, he’s also catching attention with a distinctive style decision.
The defending U.S. Open champion has been sporting a long white sleeve on his right arm throughout the competition. Sinner began utilizing the protective gear during Wimbledon, where he sustained an elbow injury, and supporters questioned whether he was still battling physical issues.
Worries arose when the reigning Cincinnati titleholder returned to Ohio still donning the sleeve. But the four-time Major champion has eased injury fears – and dismissed speculation that he’s attempting to make a fashion declaration.
“The elbow is good. Today was the first time that I put a sleeve on because I liked the feeling of the sleeve,” he said earlier in the tournament. “It gives a little bit more impact with the ball, it’s slightly more stable. That’s my point of view, and I liked it in Wimbledon.
“I have to see how it is when it’s very hot and humid, because it’s a little bit different, so it’s going to be something that I’m going to take into consideration, but I really love the feeling it gives of pure striking.”
The intense heat in Cincinnati has been a significant topic of discussion throughout the tournament. Arthur Rinderknech collapsed and later withdrew from his third-round match on Monday, while players like Francisco Comesana and Cameron Norrie have fallen ill due to the escalating temperatures.
Sinner is scheduled to face Mannarino in his next match during Wednesday’s day session, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll bring back the sleeve or if he’ll have to abandon his arm covering in the blistering conditions.
The world No. 1 triumphed over 6-foot-8 big server Gabriel Diallo in his previous match, saving a set point in the second set to win 6-2, 7-6(6).
“It was a very difficult day at the office. He was serving very well, especially in the second set… If you don’t play well in tough situations like this you can lose these matches,” Sinner said after beating Diallo.
“You have to find the balance against these big servers. I struggled with that at times today. But I need tough matches like this, I’m happy I got one before the [U.S. Open] Grand Slam.”
However, Sinner wasn’t satisfied with his own serving in the third round, and immediately headed to the practice courts after the match.