Jannik Sinner admitted on Tuesday after his fourth-round win at the Miami Open presented by Itau that he is trying to “eat a little better” this year. That’s paying dividends, as he won his second ATP Tour title at the Great Ocean Road Open and he’s into his first ATP Masters 1000 quarter-final here in Florida.
But that won’t stop the World No. 31 from indulging in desserts.
“Honestly, for me it’s not important so much, what I am eating. I am just trying to somehow, when I have to eat carbohydrates or protein, just trying being in like the biggest or easiest [food groups]. It’s very simple,” Sinner said. “It’s not that if I am going to eat dessert in the evening, I am going to lose the match the day after. That’s for sure not what we think. A dessert in the evening, I’m always eating.”
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During the offseason, however, Sinner’s team began consulting a nutritionist. While the #NextGenATP Italian has not made any massive changes to his diet, it’s been more educational to help him understand what to eat in certain situations. In Miami, for example, it’s hot and humid. On Sunday, the 19-year-old needed two hours and 50 minutes to beat Karen Khachanov.
“[We have] just maybe [been] changing a little bit, especially when it’s hot conditions, trying to eat better, which sometimes can help you,” Sinner said. “It’s a process, which I think everyone on my team said, ‘Look, it might be better if you do like this. Some players are eating healthy, some players are not eating healthy’.”
Sinner defeated Emil Ruusuvuori 6-3, 6-2 to reach his first quarter-final at this level. It was a big breakthrough for the Italian teen. But judging by his reaction — or a lack thereof — it was like another day at the office.
“Obviously I’m proud playing the quarter-finals in a big tournament, but the tournament is not over yet, so I am not relaxing,” Sinner said. “I’m trying to play better and better, day after day [I am] trying to improve and trying always to understand what I could do better match after match and then we’ll see what’s going on tomorrow.”
The 21st seed will try to continue his big run against 32nd seed Alexander Bublik. Two weeks ago, Sinner needed three sets to dispatch the Kazakhstani in Dubai.
“[I am] happy today,” Sinner said. “Tomorrow I will be ready for another tough match.”