Jannik Sinner started the best way his defence of Sofia Open 2020 title. The Italian seeded first, opened his new campaign winning world №112 Egor Gerasimov in straight sets – 6:3, 7:6(3).
How do you feel after your first match back here?
Yes, it is very nice to be back here. I have very very great memories here, you know, winning my first title. Unfortunately, the crowd is not here. It is the same for every player who plays in this tournament. I am happy to be back here. The first match was not easy against a great player. You know, he is coming from qualies, winning in first round Vasek. He was in confidence. I tried to play my game. In the second set, it was not easy because I had some chances, I didn’t use them. I think I played a good tie-break. But you know, it could go on, and it could land on both sides. I am very happy to finish it in two sets.
In the QF you will face James Duckworth. What do you expect?
Well, I lost the last one against him in Toronto. Obviously, it is a different match. I am ready to fight. Then we will see what is coming. I know he is in a great moment, making final last week, winning the Challenger. Now here he is in a winning sequence. So, it is going to be tough. He is in confidence. But I am ready to give what I have tomorrow and see what is coming.
What are the differences here now and last year? You may become the first to win back-to-back titles here.
Last year it was a different situation because I didn’t win anything. I was trying to understand what this sport is about. Now, you know, things are a little bit different. I am in a situation where, luckily, I have the chance to come back here. Obviously, I am enjoying even more than last year. And as I said, I am ready to fight. But it is a long way. It is not just about this week, but it is every week that I am trying to understand something new, to learn something new. I think this year, what I’ve done it was good, but with some ups and downs. I am here trying to play my best tennis. Obviously, it is not going to be easy, but I am very happy to be back here.
