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Sinner staying hot
Nick Quinn • January 5th, 2025 2:39 pm
Jannik Sinner poses with the spoils of his Australian Open triumph in January. Photo: James Ross/AAP
When Jannik Sinner was wandering around his hotel in Melbourne, he resembled a relaxed tourist, more than the best male tennis player on earth.
The 23 year-old Italian, who already has two grand slam titles was as happy to pose with his many fans, as they were to see him.
If there is pressure on Sinner, then he is not showing it.
“I’m happy to be here in Melbourne again, it is a very special place for me and a place that many special things started for me.” Sinner said.
Sinner won his first grand slam title at the 2024 Australian open when he came from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the final and added a second grand slam title at Flushing Meadows with a straight sets victory over American Taylor Fritz in the U.S Open final.
The one challenge this Australian Open, for Sinner, and all competitors is the heat.
The long-range forecast is predicting multiple days over 30 degrees Celsius, or 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Today I am hitting at 2pm, my plan is to practice in the hottest part of the day to try and acclimatise to the heat.” Sinner said.
Sinner’s dedication to surviving the Melbourne heat even extended to his attire, while most Melbournians were dressed to attend the beach, Sinner was dressed as if he was still in Europe, which he was just last week, having spent Christmas with his family at Alta Badia ski resort in northern Italy.
Sinner has an Australian connection, coached by Darren Cahill.
Cahill helped Lleyton Hewitt become the second-youngest player to reach the world No. 1 ranking before coaching Andre Agassi, who became the oldest player to achieve the feat. He has also worked with a host of other high-profile players including Andy Murray and Simona Halep.
"With Darren, he has a lot of experience, and he has already been through the big tournaments and big finals many times, so he is a great help," Sinner said.
“The work never stops. I know I can still improve but you have to be proud of what you have and then work for the rest.” Sinner added.
There is an opportunity for Sinner, alongside Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, to be the flagbearers of tennis for the next decade.
When Sinner lifted the Australian Open trophy, he became the first Italian man to win a Slam since Adriano Panatta in 1976 and the youngest man to win the Australian Open since Novak Djokovic in 2008.
With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal already retired, and Novak Djokovic in the twilight of his career, those three players have combined to win a staggering 66 grand slam singles titles.
Alcaraz has won four grand slam titles, and many judges anticipate that he and Sinner will be fighting out many finals this year.
Sinner will finalise his lead-up to his Australian open title defence with some exhibition games.
MEN'S GRAND SLAM SINGLES TITLES
1. Novak Djokovic, 24
2. Rafael Nadal, 22
3. Roger Federer, 20
4. Pete Sampras, 14
5. Roy Emerson, 12
