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Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2021
Australian Open, Tennis News

Jannik Sinner reaches ATP final ahead of Australian Open


Teenage sensation Jannik Sinner reached the final of the Great Ocean Open on Saturday after beating Karen Khachanov ahead of the Australian Open. 

The 19-year-old, who is the youngest player currently in the top 100, saved a match point before battling past the Russian 7-6(4) 4-6 7-6(4) in a three-hour contest to reach the final in Melbourne.

Sinner, who won his first ATP title in Sofia at the end of 2020, will look to win his second successive title as he takes on compatriot Stefano Travaglia in the final.

The Italian, who pushed Rafael Nadal all the way in their Roland Garros quarter-final despite losing in straight sets, trained with the 20-time Grand Slam champion in Adelaide ahead of the Great Ocean Open.

Sinner said: “For a 19-year-old to practice with a player who won 20 Slams is the best preparation I could get.

“I think it’s been two fantastic weeks. I just want to thank him for the preparation which I believe is much more important than playing the tournament as I can learn many things from him.”

Following his final against Travaglia, Sinner will look towards a tricky first-round match against 21-year-old 11th seed Denis Shapolalov at the Australian Open, with the pair set to meet for the very first time.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.