Is in-form Jannik Sinner poised for a grand slam breakthrough at Australian Open?
The IndependentSign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Italian Jannik Sinner’s climb towards the top of men’s tennis could hardly be described as sluggish - unless of course a direct comparison is made with Spanish phenomenon Carlos Alcaraz. While 20-year-old Alcaraz has exploded on to the scene in astonishing fashion and already has two grand slam titles under his belt, Sinner’s progress has been less spectacular. The clean-hitting Sinner was, without doubt, the hottest player on Tour in the final weeks of 2023, ending the year at a career high ranking of four in the world and something in his demeanour suggests he is now ready to take Melbourne by storm when the Australian Open begins next week. Why not?” Sinner opted against playing a warm-up tournament ahead of the year’s opening Grand Slam, but spent a chunk of the off-season training with close friend Alcaraz in Spain.