MELBOURNE: Reigning world number one Jannik Sinner says his “fantastic” 2024 campaign is now behind him as he prepares to defend his Australian Open title, after securing a tough victory in an exhibition match at Melbourne’s prestigious Center Court on Tuesday.
The Italian sensation, who enjoyed a remarkable year following his maiden Grand Slam triumph at Melbourne Park, added the US Open and ATP Finals to his list of achievements. Additionally, he played a key role in Italy’s successful Davis Cup campaign, winning their second consecutive title and cementing his status as the best player in the world.
At just 23 years old, Sinner opted to forgo any pre-tournament matches to head straight to Melbourne for his first clash of 2025. On a sweltering afternoon, he faced a formidable challenge in the form of Australian Alexei Popyrin, currently ranked 25th in the world. Sinner ultimately triumphed with a scoreline of 6-4, 7-6 (7/2), showing her resilience in coming back from a 5-2 deficit in the second set of their encounter at the Rod Laver Arena.
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“2024 was a fantastic season for me, but that’s now in the past,” said Sinner, who spent his Christmases at home in the snow before arriving in Melbourne in 40 degrees Celsius. “So many things have happened to me on and off this court,” he added.
“I am delighted to be back, even if it is just an exhibition match. For us it is essential to evaluate the court and its rhythm. I am well aware of the hard work we have put in , which I hope will boost my confidence in the future,” he continued.
As the Australian Open begins this Sunday, Sinner’s return to the spotlight is not without controversy, as a cloud of doping hangs over him. Following two positive tests for traces of the steroid clostebol in March, he was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency, which accepted his claim that the substance had entered his system following treatment by his physiotherapist for a cut.
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However, the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, leaving Sinner awaiting their decision.
In other news, Japanese tennis icon Naomi Osaka announced her breakup with American rapper Cordae days before the Australian Open. The couple, who have a daughter named Shai and have been together since 2019, confirmed their split via Instagram on Monday. “Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that Cordae and I are no longer a couple,” the four-time Grand Slam champion said. “There are no hard feelings; he is a wonderful person and an incredible father. I am honestly grateful that our paths crossed, because my daughter is my greatest blessing, and I have grown a lot through our experiences together.”
Osaka concluded her post with a red heart emoji, leaving the exact moment of their breakup unclear. The 27-year-old recently reached her first WTA final since 2022 at the Auckland Classic, but had to withdraw due to an abdominal injury after winning the first set 6-4. Fortunately, his condition is not considered serious, with the Australian Open starting this Sunday.
— AFP
