Across 2024, the Italian rose to world number one and claimed eight titles – in a recent run of formidable form, Sinner has lost just one match since mid-August, putting together a streak of over 30 wins.

Capping the season with an emphatic victory at the ATP Finals, Sinner became the first player since Ivan Lendl in 1986 to win the tournament without dropping a set.

Looking ahead, Sinner has one final challenge this season as he defends Italy’s Davis Cup title.

Jannik Sinner admits concern at ‘unpredictable’ Melbourne title defense

Despite the packed schedule, his focus is already turning to Melbourne, where he will defend a Grand Slam title for the first time.

When asked how he plans to handle this new milestone, Sinner reflected on his approach: “I mean, in the same way as I did this year: I mean, keeping calm, having my connection with my team, taking it seriously but also relaxed, in both ways. You need to have a good balance. Then we see how it goes.

“There are going to be many, many first times in our life. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Grand Slam or something else. You just have to be yourself as a player in this case and trying to understand if it works or not works.”

Reflecting on some obstacles that may come up, he said: “This is then going to be a problem in Melbourne. I don’t know how I am going to react, how I am going to play. For sure is that I’m going to prepare it in the best possible way. Like every tournament, we try to prepare it, and then we see.

“I always say tennis is unpredictable. You never know what can happen. So it’s going to be all good if mentally you’re in a good place.”

Sinner’s 2025 season is still somewhat clouded with doubt as he waits to hear the verdict on his ongoing doping case – allegations he was initially cleared of before the World Anti-Doping Agency re-opened the case.

The four players who will challenge Jannik Sinner at the 2025 Australian Open

Sinner faces fierce competition at the 2025 Australian Open as he seeks to defend his title.

Carlos Alcaraz, the only Slam missing from his resume, is hungry to prove himself on hard courts despite a mixed end to the 2024 season.

Alexander Zverev, considered the best player without a Grand Slam title, is also a major contender. With his powerful game suited to hard courts and a strong finish to 2024, including a Paris Masters victory, Zverev is desperate to finally break through.

Daniil Medvedev, last year’s Australian Open finalist, is another threat. He held a two-set lead over Sinner in the final before faltering and will be motivated to redeem himself after a lacklustre 2024.

Finally, Novak Djokovic remains an ever-present danger. The 10-time Australian Open champion is chasing a historic 25th Grand Slam title to cement his legacy, and his dominance in Melbourne makes him one of the key challengers for Sinner’s crown.

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