Former coach to Roger Federer, Ivan Ljubicic, has issued a cautionary message to rising tennis star Jannik Sinner regarding the seriousness of his hip problem. Ljubicic’s remarks come in light of Sinner’s withdrawal from the Rome tournament, emphasizing the potential repercussions as Sinner transitions between different playing surfaces.

“The change of surface from concrete to ground, where you slip, is a problem for those who have hip pain like Sinner, or the balls are heavier because they take moisture from the ground, putting more stress on the elbow and arm, as happened to Carlos Alcaraz,” Ljubicic explained in an interview with Sky Sport 24.

He further elaborated, stating, “Players move more and more and hit harder and at a certain point the body tells them enough is enough. Jannik’s problem is not serious, but important and not to be underestimated.”

With Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the Olympics looming, Ljubicic highlighted the heightened sensitivity players experience towards their physical well-being during this stage of the season, urging Sinner to heed his body’s warnings.

Sinner in Madrid, ranking, and results in 2024

Now the world no.2 (career-high), the Italian achieved a 28-2 win-loss record in 2024. Jannik is playing at the moment in Madrid where he overcame the world no.52 Lorenzo Sonego 6-0 6-3, the world no.72 Pavel Kotov 6-2 7-5 and the world no.17 Karen Khachanov 5-7 6-3 6-3.

Sinner has scheduled to play next in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 8th of May.