Jannik Sinner is on a mission, and he's got a secret weapon in his corner! As the Australian Open heats up, the world No. 2 is not just relying on his powerful serve, but also on the guidance of a renowned sports psychologist who has a track record of success with top Formula 1 drivers. This strategic mental game is a key part of Sinner's pursuit of a third consecutive Australian Open title.
It's a far cry from 2020 when Sinner first began making waves in the tennis world as a raw, yet incredibly talented, player. Now, he's revealing that even as he prepares for his second-round clash against Australian James Duckworth, he's still drawing on the expertise of Dr. Riccardo Ceccarelli. "We are in contact trying to understand and also working on a couple of things," Sinner shared, emphasizing that his mental game, much like his serve, is a continuous work in progress. He keeps his "home kit" with him, ready to hone his mental skills whenever the need arises, adapting his approach based on his feelings and mental state. "For sure there is still some room to improve," he admits, but the consistent contact and growing understanding with Dr. Ceccarelli provide a stable foundation. But here's where it gets interesting... Sinner's recent form is nothing short of spectacular. Since retiring due to injury at last year's Shanghai Masters, he's dropped only one set in his subsequent 16 matches. He boasts an incredible record of 18 wins against home-country opponents at Grand Slams, with two-thirds of those victories achieved in straight sets. This dominance is truly remarkable!
Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic, a legend with ten Australian Open titles, is aiming to etch his name further in history. He's chasing the elusive feat of winning three consecutive Australian Opens in the Open Era, a feat only he has achieved. On Thursday, he'll face Italian qualifier Francesco Maestrelli, a match where he could inch closer to becoming the first player in the Open Era to reach 400 Grand Slam victories. His opponent, ranked 141st, is hoping to create an upset and become the lowest-ranked player to defeat Djokovic at a major. Djokovic himself is feeling confident, stating, "Performance-wise, the feeling on the court, it was great. I couldn't ask for more. Obviously, a great serving performance. Just overall felt really good on the court that has made me feel good on it for so many times throughout my career."
And this is the part most people miss... Former Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina is also finding her stride after some challenging seasons. Her victory at last year's WTA Finals has clearly boosted her confidence. She enters her second-round match against France's Varvara Gracheva with a perfect 2-0 record. Rybakina, a finalist at the 2023 Australian Open, hasn't been eliminated in the second round at Melbourne Park since 2024. She believes her serve is her greatest weapon, stating, "On the serve because no matter who is on the other side, if the serve is going, then it's perfect." She's focusing on refining her serve and the initial shots of rallies to maintain her winning momentum.
Finally, Jessica Pegula, the sixth seed, is looking to make her 17th Grand Slam third-round appearance. She'll be up against fellow American McCartney Kessler. Pegula has a strong history in reaching this stage, with only Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elise Mertens achieving it more often in the last decade. Their only previous encounter was in last year's Austin final, a match Pegula won, shortly after Kessler secured her first title in Hobart.
What do you think? Is Sinner's mental game the key to his success, or is it purely his on-court prowess? And can anyone truly stop Djokovic's march towards another historic record? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
