Jannik Sinner admits he has “some doubts” heading into the new season as he searches for a third-straight Australian Open title.
The world No.2 enters the first grand slam of the year behind on-court rival and friend Carlos Alcaraz on the ATP rankings – something the Italian star admits he wants to change.
Sinner has taken the sport by storm over the past two years, winning four majors – the first of which came at Melbourne Park in 2024.
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The 24-year-old has been locked in a tense battle with Alcaraz for top billing and while he wants to get his No.1 spot back soon, Sinner admits it won’t be easy as he looks to replicate Novak Djokovic‘s feat of three consecutive Australian Open crowns, which the Serbian superstar managed to pull off twice (2011-2013 and 2019-2021).
Jannik Sinner celebrates his 2025 victory at the Australian Open. Eddie Jim
“[It is] one of the goals for this season,” he told 9News Melbourne on Wednesday.
“It’s gonna be very difficult to get back there, but I’m going to put myself in the game.
“I know that I’ve practiced very well. The off-season was great. Physically, I feel good.
“You start the season by having some doubts, which is normal – but at the same time, there’s also a lot of confidence because of certain results I’ve had in the past.”
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Sinner defeated Daniil Medvedev to win his first grand slam, before taking home the Australian Open title again with a dominant victory against Alexander Zverev last year.
This time around, the match everyone wants to see is Sinner against Alcaraz, which both men know can only happen in one match.
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz. Getty
“If I want to play against Carlos and he’s ranked one and me two, the only way we meet is in the final,” he said.
“[The rivalry] is something that motivates me and I am happy to be part of.”
The pair, who arrived in Australia together last week after playing an exhibition match overseas, have met on 16 occasions since joining the professional circuit.
In those matches, Alcaraz has won 10 times and Sinner has won six.