Jannik Sinner is in top form. © APA/afp / WILLIAM WEST
Jannik Sinner appears to have retained the top form that characterized him at the end of last season. The Sesto native got off to a brilliant start into 2024. Meanwhile, Sinner now also knows his opponents for the Australian Open.
11 January 2024
From: dl
Jannik Sinner is currently at work at an invitation tournament in Melbourne. After the Pusterer had clearly defeated local hero Marc Polmans at the lecture, he followed up on Thursday night (CET) and also brought Casper Ruud to his knees in two sets 6:2 and 6:3. That’s a big deal, after all the Norwegian is number 11 in the world and was the second best tennis player on the planet just a year and a half ago.
Although there are no ATP points in this show tournament, there is only one thing for Jannik Sinner: full throttle. The 22-year-old didn’t give Ruud, who had already reached a Grand Slam final three times in his career, the slightest chance and didn’t even give up his serve game. Compared to the power against Polmans, Sinner also improved his forehand. Despite strong winds, Sinner played very confidently and with a lot of variety – and this plan worked out perfectly.
Australian Open drawn
Meanwhile, Sinner has also known his opponents for the Australian Open, which begins on Sunday, since Thursday morning (CET). At the start of the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the South Tyrolean will face the Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (ATP 59). In the second round either the Argentinian Pedro Cachin (72nd) or a qualifier awaits. Another Argentinian, Sebastian Baez (26th), could then approach Sinner.
Sinner meets Botic van de Zandschulp at the start. © APA/afp / PETER PARKS
In the round of 16, a duel with the Russian Karen Khachanov (15th) or the American Frances Tiafoe (17th) would come into question, before Sinner would be ranked fifth in the world rankings in the round of the last 8. Andrey Rublev from Russia could meet. The top favorite and defending champion Novak Djokovic (1st) awaits in the semifinals. If Sinner were to reach the final, Carlos Alcaraz (2nd), Daniil Medvedev (3rd) or Holger Rune (8th) would still be left for the world number 4.
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2024-01-11 07:25:14
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