Jannik Sinner says his hip was feeling good on Monday as he cruised to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Chris Eubanks at the French Open.
He insists it isn't 100 per cent, however, as he looks to build on his Australian Open triumph earlier in the year.
Sinner has enjoyed a stunning rise to prominence in recent years, with the 22-year-old currently world No 2.
Should Novak Djokovic fail to reach the semi-finals of the competition at Roland Garros, then Sinner will sit at the summit of the PIF ATP Rankings.
Jannik Sinner has opened up after beating Chris Eubanks at the French Open on Monday
REUTERS
Sinner has had some to contend with a hip injury over the past few weeks.
He was forced to withdraw from the Madrid Open ahead of his quarter-final, while also missing the Italian Open.
But while Sinner admits he isn't yet able to operate at the peak of his powers, he was pleased with his performance against Eubanks on Monday.
"I'm just happy to be back on court," he told Eurosport. "I was injured. I'm very happy to be back here. It's a very special tournament for me.
"First time in a Grand Slam quarter-final [in 2020]. I'm building every day and let's see what's coming.
"The hip is good, I'm very happy.
"My team and myself were working very hard to be on court as soon as possible. It's not possible without my team.
"It's not 100 per cent yet, we try to build everyday. Thanks to everyone who supported, it's been amazing.
"The roof closed here for the first time so I'm very happy.
"I'm happy about what I've achieved in the last months. The goal is to improve everyday. My team push me everyday.
"I want to be happy on the court, that is the most important.
"I'm truly happy to play tennis."
Sinner joins world No 3 Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the competition.
The Spaniard was impressive on Sunday as he beat J.J. Wolf 6-1, 6-2, 6-1.
And Alcaraz, who lost in the final of the French Open last year, was pleased with his performance as he boosted his chances of winning another Grand Slam.
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Jannik Sinner crushed Chris Eubanks at the French Open on Monday
REUTERS
"I'm really happy to be back here in Paris to compete again," he said.
"It's been a very difficult month for me because I love competing.
"I've tried everything I could to be at 100 per cent, to show my best tennis, and I think I did that today.
"I would have loved to have played more matches but I don't need too many matches to get to 100 per cent.
"I did really good preparation this past two weeks and practices with top players. My forearm is getting better and better."
Jannik Sinner says his hip was 'feeling good' as he beat Chris Eubanks to make the second round of the French Open
REUTERS
Rafael Nadal will also be hoping to progress to the next round when he faces Alexander Zverev today.
French Open chiefs have cancelled a special ceremony for the 22-time Grand Slam winner after he indicated he could yet keep playing, despite previously hinting he'd retire this year.
