Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are among the top Australian Open favorites. Two youngsters conquered all four Major titles in 2024, and they want more in the new season! Jannik and Carlos shared the same side of the court during Sunday's practice session.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rain spoiledthe action in Melbourne during the opening day, and the players used indoor courts to hit. There was not enough space for everyone to embrace the planned practice schedule, and Sinner and Alcaraz hit next to each other.
As always when they are close to each other, theproducedexciting scenes. Will we see them battling for the trophy? Only time will tell.
The Italian is the defending champion. He claimed his first Majortrophy a year ago over Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. The young gun dethroned Novak Djokovic in the semi-final, facing no break points and sealing the deal in four sets.
He dropped the opening two sets against Medvedev in the title clash. Despite lacking experience, Jannik never stopped believing! He turned the tables and prevailed in a five-setter, lifting a trophy and setting the tone for the rest of the season.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sinnerreturns to Melbourne as world no. 1, winning 73 of 79 matches in 2024 and lifting eight ATP titles, including six notable ones. Jannik will face Nicolas Jarry in the opening round. He received a good draw, avoiding Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic before the final.
Alcaraz kicks off his campaign against Alexander Shevchenko. The Spaniard is seeking his first Australian Open crown and a Career Grand Slam at 21! However, he will have to pass challenging rivals to get there. Carlos could face Jack Draper or Sebastian Korda in the fourth round.
After that, his next rival could be the ten-time winner, Novak Djokovic. If Alcaraztops the 24-time Major winner, he should face Alexander Zverev in the semi-final. A year ago, they battled in the quarter-final stage, and the German sealed the deal in four sets.
Carlos and Jannik must overcome challenging obstaclesto the final. If they do, the tennis world should experience another cracker between the opponents who always draw the most from each other.
