Sinner makes midnight confession after stunning Indian Wells win | Tennis | Sport

Jannik Sinner has been forced to admit that he had to miss watching the Chinese Grand Prix to claim Indian Wells success. The world number two overcame Daniil Medvedev in straight sets to match Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by completing the set of hard court tournaments.

However, the 24-year-old admitted that he had to overcome his urges and desires, like staying up late to watch the F1 in Shanghai. Sinner joined the elite group after previously winning the Australian Open and US Open, as well as all six Masters 1,000 titles before adding Indian Wells silverware to his, already, impressive collection. The Italian needed tiebreaks to overcome Medvedev and in the match-winning set, he revealed that he had to shake off fatigue to surge through.

He said: “I tried to shake it off and after I was loose again. I held back a little bit so that’s a point I would like to improve.

“I felt like I could have played slightly more aggressive. I wanted to watch the Formula One but it was midnight.

“I’m not capable of going to sleep very late and playing tennis the next day so very good discipline. Congrats Kimi (Antonelli).”

Sinner was forced to miss Kimi Antonelli claim maximum points in the second race of the season, beating Mercedes teammate George Russell – winner of the opener in Melbourne. It was British-heavy podium with Lewis Hamilton continuing his return to form to take third place.

Sinner, meanwhile, has bounced back from Australian Open disappointment where he was eliminated in a semi-final thriller with Novak Djokovic. He overcame Learner Tien then Alexander Zverev in the semi-final on course to his Indian Wells success, not dropping a set in his path to glory.

Sinner added: “It was a tough tournament. In my mind I knew this was the only hardcourt tournament of the big ones that I haven’t won so I’m very happy how I handled it.

“Seeing Daniil playing at this level is important for tennis. I feel like when he plays at his best he’s very tough to beat as we saw today, but I’m very happy.”