Paolo Bertolucci Urges Jannik Sinner to Prioritize Roland Garros Success Over Immediate World Number One Ranking

Former pro Paolo Bertolucci tells Jannik Sinner to ignore the world number one "frenzy" and prioritize technical growth for the French Open.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 3:22 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Tennis365

Strategic Focus Amidst Ranking Volatility

The race for the top spot in men's tennis has intensified as Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz converge in Monaco with the world number one ranking at stake. However, Paolo Bertolucci believes that Sinner must insulate himself from the surrounding media hype to focus on his long term developmental goals. Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Bertolucci argued that the "frenzy" regarding the top ranking is largely unfounded, as the position is a natural byproduct of consistent results rather than an end in itself. He suggested that the true objective for the 24 year old Italian should be a deep run at Roland Garros, utilizing the current clay court swing to refine the technical subtleties required for success on the red dirt.

Technical Adaptation and Physical Management

Sinner enters the European clay season carrying significant momentum from his consecutive victories during the "Sunshine Double" in the United States. Despite the potential for physical fatigue, the Italian made the strategic decision to compete in the Monte Carlo Masters to begin the process of surface adaptation. Bertolucci noted that the transition to clay is rarely immediate, requiring a few days of intensive work to recalibrate timing and movement. For Sinner, this tournament serves as a critical laboratory to fine tune his baseline aggression and defensive sliding before the more physically demanding major in Paris.

The Evolution of a Service Weapon

One of the most remarkable aspects of Sinner’s recent ascent has been the transformative improvement of his serving motion. Bertolucci recalled that only two years ago, many analysts expressed public doubt about whether Sinner’s serve could ever become an elite weapon on the ATP Tour. Despite the skepticism, the Italian maintained his commitment to a specific technical rework involving his ball toss and timing. Bertolucci emphasized that while these improvements were not always visible to the casual observer, the current efficiency of the serve is a testament to Sinner's work ethic and the patience of his coaching staff.