Two Grand Slam titles, three Masters 1000, the ATP Finals, two ATP 500 and the Davis Cup. These are just some of the numbers that certify the greatness of Jannik Sinner's season. The Italian ace has been simply incredible in 2024, proving even to the most skeptical that he is the best player in the world right now.
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The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria has shocked everyone this year with an almost unreal consistency for a player of his age, who has shown impressive mental strength considering the stress caused by the doping case.
The world No. 1 has been able to put all his problems aside when he played, losing only six matches in the whole season. The 2-time Grand Slam champion did not feel tired even in the last part of the season, winning the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin without losing a single set and leading Italy to another triumph at the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga.
Despite the fact that the points earned in Indian Wells have been taken away from him, the Italian has built such a wide margin over his opponents in the ATP ranking that he is certain to remain number 1 even after the 2025 Australian Open. Jannik is still waiting to know his fate after the appeal filed by WADA, which asked for a disqualification from 1 to 2 years.
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It will be the CAS that will have to issue the final verdict on this dispute, which is expected to arrive in the first part of 2025. If he is not disqualified, Sinner has an excellent chance of staying at the top of the ATP ranking next year.
The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria can improve his results in tournaments on red clay and grass, which this year have been affected by the well-known hip injury.
Jannik will start training in Dubai
The world No. 1 is finally enjoying some rest after a very long season and is devoting himself to his passions, such as cars and golf. Jannik will start training in Dubai at the beginning of December and will return to Italy to celebrate Christmas. His departure for Australia is scheduled for the end of December, in order to get used to the weather conditions well. Like this year, the Italian will not play any official tournament before the Happy Slam (who will start on January 12).
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Jannik's rise has greatly increased the popularity of tennis in Italy. Sinner celebrated his triumph at the ATP Finals in front of his fans in Turin and helped Italy triumph in Malaga last week.
In an interview with QS Sport, Italian captain Filippo Volandri opened up on Janniks potential disqualification: I dont even want to think about a possible disqualification of Sinner, given his honesty and the irrefutable evidence he has provided.
But if there is a person with broad shoulders it is Jannik. A disqualification would be the greatest injustice in history.
He also spoke about Italys win in Malaga for the second year in a row: My choices? Its not easy to make them, it will always be the most difficult part of my role.
We were the first to work with a psychologist too. It was hard for me to leave Matteo Arnaldi and Flavio Cobolli at home or tell Musetti that he wouldnt play against Australia. He was disappointed, in the days before he had had amazing tennis.
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This is a group of friends, they are ready to be there when someone else needs them. I want the national tennis team to stay at the top for a long time: this does not mean winning every year, but always staying among the top.
Sinner led Italy
Thanks to the impressive level of the world number 1, Italy looks set to dominate this competition for many years to come. However - after two consecutive triumphs - Sinner could also decide to skip the event next year and focus all his energies only on the tournaments of the ATP calendar.
The Italian team can count on several great players in addition to Jannik, starting with former World No.6 Matteo Berrettini, who was very important in the 2024 edition in both Bologna (group stage) and Malaga (Finals). After numerous injuries suffered in recent years, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist seems to have returned to the highest level and aims to get closer to the Top 10 in 2025.
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Italy has several solutions even in doubles. In the decisive doubles against Argentina, Volandri decided to field Sinner and Berrettini who defeated two specialists like Gonzalez and Molteni. However, Filippo could also count on Andrea Vavassori and Simone Bolelli, who had an exceptional season qualifying for the ATP Finals.
