Sinner's body and mind in focus for Wimbledon title defence

BENGALURU, June 25 : Jannik Sinner will begin his Wimbledon title defence under close watch after his French Open stumble, with concern not just about what his body can endure but how physical disruptions can feed into a game that leaves little room for doubt.

The warning signs surfaced in Paris, where Sinner's campaign ended in a physically compromised second-round defeat, prompting the Italian to return to Milan for medical tests as questions about the toll of a relentless season grew.

Sinner has since adopted an unusual build-up to Wimbledon by skipping traditional grasscourt tune-up tournaments in favour of controlled training blocks, including work on hardcourts, as he prioritises regaining fitness and rhythm.

LONG PRACTICE SESSIONS FOR SINNER

"I took one week off and spent some time with my friends and family, which was really important. After that, we went straight back to practice, because there's a big run coming up," Sinner told Vogue about Wimbledon and the U.S. hardcourt swing.

"We don't have a lot of time to practice for that usually. I'm always trying to see the positives in situations, and the positive part of going out early of Roland Garros, though I'd have liked to go deeper, is getting some extra time.

"We try to maximize every day, so there have been a lot of long practice sessions, and I'm very happy with the shape and mental state I'm in right now."

TITLE DEFENCE BRINGS EXTRA PRESSURE

The 24-year-old's place at the top has been reinforced by steady success this season, including ATP 1000 titles at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, Madrid and Rome, prompting top coach Patrick Mouratoglou to dismiss concerns about his recent dip.

"I don't think what happened at Roland Garros is going to affect Jannik's