World No.1 Jannik Sinner laughed off worries about a possible heatwave at Wimbledon, insisting the shocking French Open collapse that saw him lose from 5-1 up in the third set is firmly in the past. The 24-year-old Italian, who has struggled with cramping in hot and humid conditions throughout his career, said he is well prepared after undergoing extensive medical examinations in Milan following Roland Garros.

Speaking ahead of his Wimbledon quarterfinal against Jan-Lennard Struff, Sinner joked with reporters: 'It seems you know the schedule better than me. I don't know when they put me. I'm happy either way. I feel I'm well prepared. We did a good preparation. Whatever happened in the past is gone already. Now we see if we found a solution... if not we keep working for the next one.'

The French Open nightmare

In late May, Sinner's campaign at Roland Garros came to a stunning halt in the second round. Leading Argentine qualifier Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-3, 6-2, 5-1, the top seed suddenly began battling severe cramps under the Parisian sun. Despite his best efforts to continue, his movement became severely hampered, and Cerundolo stormed back to win 3-6, 2-6, 7-5, 6-1, 6-1. It was one of the most dramatic collapses in recent Grand Slam history. Sinner later admitted the conditions had overwhelmed him, and he immediately sought answers.

The cramping issue is not new for Sinner. At the 2023 Shanghai Masters, he was forced to retire during his third-round match against Ben Shelton due to severe thigh cramps. Similar problems have plagued him at other tournaments, raising questions about his ability to perform in extreme heat. After the French Open, Sinner visited a hospital in Milan for comprehensive checkups, including blood tests and hydration analysis, to determine what exactly was causing his struggles. He has not disclosed the results publicly but indicated that his team is working on a tailored solution, which may include changes to his pre-match nutrition, cooling strategies, and match-day routines.

Wimbledon conditions and preparation

Temperatures in London are expected to rise during the second week of The Championships, with forecasters predicting a heatwave that could push 30°C on Centre Court. However, Sinner downplayed any additional concerns, noting that his preparation has accounted for such conditions. 'We did a good preparation,' he reiterated. 'Whatever happened in the past is gone already. Now we see if we found a solution.'

Sinner's quarterfinal opponent, Jan-Lennard Struff, is a dangerous big-server who pushed Sinner to five sets in the 2023 Wimbledon second round. The German, ranked 41st, possesses a powerful serve and forehand that can trouble any opponent on grass. But Sinner enters the match as a clear favorite, having won the Halle title on grass earlier this summer and compiled a 42-4 record in 2025. His grass-court game has evolved remarkably; the former hard-court specialist now volleys with confidence, uses the slice effectively, and moves fluidly on the slippery surface.

Sinner acknowledged the increased tension of a Grand Slam quarterfinal: 'In any case, quarterfinal of a Grand Slam, the feelings are different. There's definitely more tension. At the same time I'm very happy where I am at the moment. We'll see how it goes. Let's see.'

Career trajectory and resilience

Sinner's rise to the top has been meteoric. After winning his first ATP title in 2020, he broke into the top 10 in 2021 and captured his first major at the 2024 Australian Open, followed by the US Open later that year. His physical limitations have been an ongoing storyline, particularly his tendency to cramp in extreme conditions. Many pundits, including former Wimbledon champion Andy Roddick, have expressed surprise that Sinner admitted his vulnerability publicly. Roddick said he would have lied in that situation, arguing that opponents can exploit such knowledge. However, Sinner has always been transparent about his challenges, believing honesty helps him and his team address the issues head-on.

The Italian's work ethic is legendary. He is known for his meticulous training regimen, often spending hours on the practice court with coach Darren Cahill and the rest of his support staff. His technical improvements—particularly his net play and shot selection—have been noticeable. Off the court, Sinner has cultivated a calm, almost stoic demeanor that rarely cracks under pressure. This mental fortitude was on full display during his comeback wins at the 2025 Australian Open, where he saved match points against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.

History of heat-related struggles

Sinner is not alone in his battle with the heat. Many elite players have suffered from cramps or heat-related illnesses, including Novak Djokovic, who famously admitted he would 'rather play in zero degrees Celsius than 45 degrees.' But for Sinner, the problem seems more systemic. Physiologists have noted that his thin frame and high metabolic rate may contribute to rapid fluid loss and electrolyte imbalances. His team has experimented with cooling vests, ice towels, and specially formulated drinks during changeovers, but the French Open incident revealed that more aggressive interventions may be needed.

The tennis world has watched closely to see how he handles the expected heatwave at Wimbledon. Some experts have suggested that playing night sessions could mitigate the risk, but Sinner insisted he is ready for any scheduling. 'I don't know when they put me. I'm happy either way,' he said. This relaxed attitude, combined with the medical adjustments made since Paris, suggests Sinner is approaching the challenge with confidence.

If Sinner can overcome the heat and Struff, he would set up a potential semifinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev, both formidable opponents on grass. Alcaraz defeated Sinner in a thrilling five-setter at the 2024 Wimbledon semifinals, a match many consider the best of that tournament. Should they meet again, the conditions could once again become a deciding factor. Sinner knows that to win his first Wimbledon title, he must prove he can withstand not only elite competition but also the whims of the weather.

For now, Sinner is focused solely on the next match. With a wry smile, he deflected talk of heatwaves and history, preferring to let his racket do the talking. As he said, 'Let's see.'

Source: MSN News