Jannik Sinner says his focus is on the Australian Open after returning to the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday to play an exhibition match.
The world No.1 disposed of home player Alexi Popyrin 6-4, 7-6(2), in front of a packed crowd. Unlike some of his rivals such as Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, Sinner has decided not to play in any ATP event leading up to the first Grand Slam of 2025. He did the same 12 months ago when he began his season at Melbourne Park by winning his first major title before triumphing at the US Open later that year.
During the charity match, Sinner was challenged by Popyrin who broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set before the Italian bounced back to seal a straight sets victory.
“Today we are friends – we are not opponents – so we all agree to have some fun here and I hope you guys enjoyed it,” The Australian Associated Press quoted Sinner as saying.
Sinner is seeking to become the fourth man to win back-to-back Australian Open titles since 2000, following Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic. During 2024 he won eight ATP titles and reached the final of another event in China. Overall, he won 73 out of 79 matches played.
“2024 was an amazing season for me, but it’s already gone, so we are 2025,” he said.
“We started every year here in Melbourne, which is an amazing city.
“So many things happened for me on the court and off the court, very special ones, so I’m very happy to be back here playing these kind of matches.
“Even if it’s kind of exhibition, for us it’s always very important trying to feel the court, trying to feel the pace.
“Obviously having the crowd here means so much to us, so thank you so much for coming and then we’ll see what’s coming down in the official tournament.”
Berrettini backs Sinner
Another Italian who will be in action at the Australian Open will be Matteo Berrettini, who believes his compatriot is capable of defending his title but will need to fight to do so. Berrettini, who is the first Italian to play a Wimbledon singles final, is currently ranked 35th in the world. However, he has been as high as sixth in the PIF ATP rankings.
“He can definitely do that (win the title),” Berrettini told Australian media.
“I think he proved to us and to himself that he’s the best player in the world right now.
“He loves to play in these kind of conditions. He helped us (Italy) to reach to win the Davis Cup again. So he’s definitely the favorite for the title.
“But the field is strong. Carlos (Alcaraz) is hungry and Novak is always there. So a lot of players want to lift this trophy as well. It’s going to have to fight.”
Berrettini will be hoping for another solid run in Melbourne Park where he reached the semi-finals in 2022 and the fourth round 12 months prior. However, he lost in the first round in 2023 and missed last year’s event due to injury.
The Australian Open draw will take place on Thursday and the first round matches will get underway on Sunday.
