Jannik Sinner says he's already noticed something 'very strange' about the tennis balls in Cincinnati

Jannik Sinner is set to begin his title defence in Cincinnati with an opening clash against Daniel Elahi Galan.

The world number one is competing in his first tour-level event since triumphing at Wimbledon, where he secured a fourth Grand Slam title.

Sinner withdrew from the Canadian Open and will now play his first match of the North American hard-court swing at the Cincinnati Open.

He won his third ATP Masters 1000 crown at the event last season, after defeating Frances Tiafoe in the final.

Ahead of his first match, Sinner claims there is a ‘very strange’ difference in the conditions this year.

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Jannik Sinner notices ‘strange’ difference in Cincinnati balls

In an interview with Tennis TV, the Italian explained: “From my point of view, the tennis balls are getting smaller. The more you play, the smaller they get.

“That is very strange because usually they open up and get slower, but here they get actually faster.

“The ball bounces much higher. We haven’t had one very windy day yet, but it’s going to be very difficult if there’s going to be wind here.

“We saw it last year, remember the match against Andrey was super difficult, so it’s very difficult and it’s going to be a mental game. I am trying [to] accept every situation on the court and trying to be ready.

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Jannik Sinner’s successful Cincinnati Open campaign in 2024

Sinner dominated during the hard-court season last year, clinching a Masters title in Cincinnati and a major title in New York.

He kicked off his campaign at the 2024 Cincinnati Open with a straight-sets victory over home hope Alex Michelsen, before advancing again after Jordan Thompson withdrew from their second-round match.

Round Opponent Final Frances Tiafoe (W) Semifinal Alexander Zverev (W) Quarterfinal Andrey Rublev (W) Round of 16 Jordan Thompson (W) (Walkover) Round of 32 Alex Michelsen (W) Jannik Sinner’s 2024 Cincinnati Open campaign

In the quarterfinal, he defeated his Canadian Open conqueror Andrey Rublev to book his place in the final four, where he faced Alexander Zverev.

Zverev had a four-match winning streak against Sinner, which the eventual champion finally snapped, beating the German over three sets.

Against Tiafoe in the final, he clinched the first-set tiebreak 7-4, and took the second set 6-2 to hoist the trophy.

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