2024 was the year in which Jannik Sinner established himself as the best player in the world, having collected a series of crazy numbers from January until today. The Italian ace played one of the best seasons of the modern era and has a chance to further enhance his 2024 at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he will be the top favorite to lift the trophy.
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria has suffered only six defeats in the whole season, winning two Grand Slam titles and three Masters 1000. Despite his incredible results on the tennis court, Jannik also had to face a long trial due to the doping case that affected him. The world No.1 has fully cooperated with the authorities and was found innocent by ITIA before the start of the US Open, where he triumphed with full credit defeating local idol Taylor Fritz in the final.
During the tournament in Beijing, the Italian champion received the news that WADA had appealed against the acquittal sentence issued by ITIA and that the case was not yet closed. The date of the final verdict is not known, but it is expected that Sinner will know his fate in early 2025 (it is unclear whether before or after the Australian Open).
Too much stress
The two-time Grand Slam champion has remained focused on tennis in recent months and the doping case has not had any impact on his results, although Jannik admitted to having spent several sleepless nights. WADA has asked for a one to two year disqualification for the world number 1, which did not ask for the shortened rite and is cooperating in every way to show that he could not have avoided contamination in any way.
During a long interview with Sport Klub, ATP legend and former Novak Djokovics coach Goran Ivanisevic defended Sinner: "I sincerely hope they leave him alone and let him play. Tennis needs Sinner. With Cilic, I had to deal with WADA and similar bodies, I've been there. There are many complex people who want to destroy someone's life. I hope for a positive outcome for the Italian champion.
Goran also reflected on the rivalry between Jannik and Carlitos Alcaraz: Theyre different players, but when they are both at their best, I feel that Sinner is better. He is more consistent throughout the match, whether Alcaraz can go from hitting amazing shots to some easy errors. This year, Carlos had a few losses I couldnt explain If we move Novak out of the equation, they will dominate, they are way above anyone else on the tour. Nobody can challenge Sinner and Alcaraz. Zverev has too many ups and downs. He plays great up until some point, then comes a match where he really needs to put it together, where he needs to perform at his best thats when he fails, and against Alcaraz and Sinner, you need to be at your best always.
The best in 2024
Jannik and Carlos each won two Major titles in 2024, but the Italian ace was much more regular throughout the season. In addition to having suffered only six defeats from January until today, the 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria reached at least the quarter-finals in all tournaments he played.
The Spaniard - on the other hand - had a lot of ups and downs, especially in the Masters 1000 tournaments, which is why he was overtaken by Sascha Zverev in second place. The Italian ace will have to defend his title at Melbourne Park next January, but he still has a good chance of staying on top of the ATP ranking if he does not get a disqualification. In addition, the two-time Grand Slam champion could widen his gap if he wins the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin next week, with a draw taking place tomorrow. What is most surprising is Janniks ability to keep improving even though he has reached the top of the mens tour.
The world number 1 recently practiced in Monte Carlo with former ace Radek Stepanek, wanting to become even more skillful near the net. Having skipped the Rolex Paris Masters due to a stomach virus, Jannik arrived in Turin well in advance and started working on the courts of the 'Circolo La Stampa'.
Sinner will make his debut in Turin on Sunday or Monday, waiting to know his opponents. Yesterday - meanwhile - the news of the forfeit of the 24 times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic arrived. The Serbian legend raised the trophy in the last edition, defeating Alcaraz in the semifinals and Sinner in the final.
