Jannik Sinner explains that he ‘fears nobody but respects everyone’

James Richardson 17 Jan 2024 11:33 AM

Jannik Sinner of Italy in action at Melbourne Park.

Jannik Sinner says that his approach to facing any opponent is the same regardless of their ranking or standing in the game.

Sinner was tested in his opening-round encounter in Melbourne against Dutch No 2 Botic van de Zandschulp but breezed beyond another Dutchman Jesper De Jong to reach the third round.

He feels that it is a healthy approach not to fear anyone you face and equally to show respect to your opponent and their skills at all times.

“It doesn’t really matter who you play against.

“You fear nobody but have a lot of respect for everyone,” Sinner said after besting De Jong.

“This is what I try to show to everyone.”

The 22-year-old reached the quarter-finals of the year’s opening major in 2022.

He then exited in the fourth round in 2023, but neither campaign saw Sinner begin a season with so much potential for success.

Sinner will have greater expectations this term, as he enters with a career-high ATP Ranking of No 4.

Sinner’s excellent start at the Australian Open propels him from the end of 2023 into the new year with oodles of momentum.

The Italian advanced to the Nitto ATP Finals final match in November, defeating Novak Djokovic in the group stage, before helping Italy to the Davis Cup victory.

The Aussie Open is his first event in 2024, and he has yet to lose a set in Melbourne.

De Jong, competing in his first Grand Slam main draw after a successful qualifying campaign, was given props by a respectful Sinner.

“He’s a very good player… He’s a young player. I wish him all the best,” Sinner said of his Dutch opponent. “I’m sure that he is going to play so many more matches in Grand Slam main draws.”

One more match win for Sinner and strongest home hope Alex De Minaur will set up a last 16 clash between the rising stars.

De Minaur extended his great start to the season by overcoming Sinner’s compatriot Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-0, 6-3 to advance to the third round at his home Grand Slam for the fifth time.

“I think so far I have done what I needed to do to win the matches,” he De Minaur said.

“It hasn’t been probably the prettiest of levels or my best level.

“I played two opponents where maybe I haven’t been allowed to be as aggressive as I would like, because they’ve got a lot of firepower.

“But I do think I’ve got a lot more to show.

“Over the years you have come to learn how important it is to conserve the energy because it is a long two weeks if you want to get to the end of the tournament, and that’s ultimately the goal.

“Now, I have learnt that the first week is all about getting through, finding ways to get through.”