Jannik Sinner Named ‘Favourite’ for Australian Open by Former World No. 1 Carlos Moya

The Australian Open is always a spectacle for tennis fans, and drama, talent, and high-stakes competition have earmarked the first Grand Slam of the year. Just ahead of the 2024 edition, former World No. 1 Carlos Moya has highlighted young Italian star Jannik Sinner as one who could be a title contender. Moya, whose experience in the sport lasts several decades, speaks about Sinner’s quick rise and how bright his future could be on Melbourne Park’s hard cour

A Rising Star on the ATP Tour

Jannik Sinner, currently ranked among the top 10 in the ATP rankings, has made significant strides over the past few years, winning multiple ATP titles and consistently challenging the established elite. Though his breakthrough year came in 2020, when he made a deep run at the French Open and reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open, Sinner has only continued to improve.

With a game that combines power, precision, and remarkable maturity for his age, the 22-year-old South Tyrolian has developed into one of the most exciting players on tour. His aggressive baseline game—featuring a heavy forehand and fluid, explosive backhand—is well-suited to the fast surfaces of Melbourne Park. His movement on the court is smooth and efficient, and he displays an understanding of positioning beyond his years—an essential component in any successful hard-court campaign.

Carlos Moya’s Endorsement of Sinner

Carlos Moya, whose career high point came when he won the 1998 French Open and achieved the World No. 1 ranking in 1999, believes Sinner has what it takes to win a Grand Slam title. In a recent interview, Moya paid homage to the Italian’s natural ability and mental strength in his rise to become a force to be reckoned with on all surfaces, especially hard courts.

“I think Sinner is a strong contender for the Australian Open. He has shown remarkable growth in recent years and has all the tools to go far in a Grand Slam,” said Moya. “His aggressive game suits hard courts, and he has the mentality to handle the pressure in a big tournament like the Australian Open.”

Moya also cited mental strength as a key factor in tennis, especially in best-of-five-set matches, and thinks Sinner’s ability to stay focused and calm during important moments will be his greatest asset in Melbourne.

Sinner’s Latest Form and Key Improvements

Sinner has a legitimate claim to contention for the 2024 Australian Open title, which he has built through consistent solid performances throughout 2023. He showed really impressive results in several prestigious tournaments, including the ATP Finals and a few Masters 1000 events. Beating top-tier players such as Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev in head-to-head matches, Jannik Sinner proved himself a strong candidate to take the title in Melbourne.

What puts Sinner above many of his peers is his work ethic and the constant strive to improve. In the last couple of years, he worked on his serve, previously considered a liability, and turned it into a weapon. His return game, too, has become one of the steadiest and most potent on the tour. When combined with the work he has been putting in at the gym to build endurance and increase his physicality, those improvements make him a threatening proposition for everybody at the Australian Open.

The Landscape of the Australian Open

While Sinner is increasingly seen as a potential challenger for the title, the Australian Open is still one of the most competitive tournaments on the calendar. Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who has dominated the event recently, will be a major obstacle for any player hoping to win the title. Likewise, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Rafael Nadal are all battle-hardened Grand Slam performers with plenty of experience at Melbourne Park.

However, Sinner’s rise presents a fresh challenge to these veterans. His performances in the latter half of 2023, paired with the endorsement from Moya, have elevated expectations for the 22-year-old. A potential Grand Slam victory at this stage of his career would mark a defining moment in his journey to becoming one of the next greats in tennis.

The Road Ahead for Sinner

With the Australian Open just a few days away, all eyes will be on how Sinner prepares for the 2024 edition. His results in the lead-up events, including the ATP Cup and any other warm-up tournaments, will provide important insight into his form as he heads into Melbourne. However, with the backing of Moya and growing belief in his abilities, Sinner is primed for a breakthrough year.

As fans and experts alike anticipate the opening of the Australian Open, the name Jannik Sinner is sure to be mentioned as one of the key contenders, with many seeing him as a player who could be on the cusp of tennis greatness.