MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Jannik Sinner claimed his second consecutive Australian Open championship and third Grand Slam title overall, drawing comparisons to tennis legend Novak Djokovic. Runner-up Alexander Zverev likened facing Sinner on hard courts to the challenge posed by Djokovic at his peak, noting their precision and relentless baseline play.
Sinner, at just 23 years old, is still far from Djokovic's illustrious career but has shown remarkable growth in recent years. His dominance on the court, reminiscent of Djokovic's style, includes exceptional court coverage, quick transitions from defense to offense, and a solid serve that kept Zverev at bay.
The Italian player openly acknowledges modeling his game after Djokovic, focusing on clean ball-striking, movement, and understanding opponents' strategies. Sinner's rapid improvement has propelled him to the top of the rankings, with an impressive 80-6 record and nine titles since last season.
Zverev, previously holding a winning record against Sinner, highlighted the Italian's enhanced skills in serving, returning, forehand and backhand shots, movement, and volleys. Sinner's coaches emphasize continuous improvement, aiming to elevate his game further and potentially reach the level of tennis greats like Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal.
Looking ahead, Sinner aims to enhance his performance on clay and grass courts, preparing for upcoming challenges at the French Open and Wimbledon. Despite an impending hearing related to a doping case, Sinner remains focused on his game and growth as a player.
With a dedicated team and a strong work ethic, Sinner is poised to continue his ascent in the tennis world, drawing parallels to the achievements of the sport's most iconic figures. His relentless pursuit of excellence positions him as a formidable force in the tennis landscape, with the potential to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
