Jannik Sinner’s preparations at the Australian Open have seen him share the court with some of the ATP Tour’s best players.
The world number two arrived in Melbourne a week before the main draw begins, and he’s already played the One-Point Slam and played out an exhibition match with Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Sinner and Alcaraz look set for yet another Grand Slam final in Melbourne, with the Italian looking for his third consecutive Australian Open title and the world number one aiming to achieve a Career Grand Slam.
The Italian has made several changes throughout the week, including changing his tennis racket between practise sessions and matches.
Jannik Sinner reverts back to his old tennis racket
Sinner practised with Taylor Fritz on the Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, 15 January, and he was seen hitting with his brand-new Head racket.
In a video captured by Tennis Analytica, the two-time Australian Open champion can be heard saying: “The racket sucks.”
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For his match against Auger-Aliassime, in which he defeated the Canadian in straight sets, Sinner had already reverted back to his previous racket.
Whether this means Sinner will cut ties with his new racket is currently unknown, but it’s not the greatest look for Head.
Sinner will return to Australian Open practice at 12pm on Saturday, 17 January, before his opening round match against Hugo Gaston.
Jannik Sinner’s projected route at the Australian Open
Sinner’s Australian Open draw has been kind as the Italian does not have a player ranked inside the top 15 in his section at the Melbourne event.
If Sinner defeats Gaston in the first round, he will play the winner of James Duckworth vs Dino Prižmić in round two.
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A tantalising first-time-ever match with Joao Fonseca looks on the cards for Sinner in the third round, with in-form Sebastian Baez looking the most likely opponent in the fourth round.
Either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud could be Sinner’s quarter-final opponent, while another semi-final meeting with Novak Djokovic could be imminent.
When, or likely if, Sinner gets through to the final, it’s hard to see him lining up against anyone other than Carlos Alcaraz.
