Italy’s Jannik Sinner easily accounted for Russia’s Andrey Rublev in their Australian Open quarter-final, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP

EXCLUSIVE: Jannik Sinner shows little fear for Novak Djokovic

Italy’s Jannik Sinner easily accounted for Russia’s Andrey Rublev in their Australian Open quarter-final, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

by Garrin Lambley

25-01-2024 09:56

in Tennis

Italy’s Jannik Sinner easily accounted for Russia’s Andrey Rublev in their Australian Open quarter-final, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3. Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP

Italy’s Jannik Sinner easily accounted for Russia’s Andrey Rublev in their Australian Open quarter-final, winning 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3.

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According to The South African website’s Dave Marshall, many thought that the match would be a long, bruising affair, including Sinner himself.

“For sure it was a tough match, no? We know each other every time we play a little bit better. I was expecting a very fast, fast game. Not so many shots. That was it, especially the first set, and then after I think we both, we started to return a little bit better.

“But obviously very happy about the performance and outcome. It was a tough match. I’m happy to be in the next round.”

Sinner next plays world No 1 Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, but Sinner did not appear to be intimidated by Djokovic’s record of having never lost an Australian Open semi-final.

“Yeah, this is what I practice for, no, to play against the best players in the world. Obviously has an incredible record here, so for me it’s a pleasure to play against him, especially in the final stages of the tournament where things are a little bit more interesting.

“Looking forward to it, to be honest. It’s gonna be tough. This, I know. I will control the controllable, which is giving 100%, having the right attitude, fighting for every ball. And then we see the outcome, no? More than this, I cannot do. Doesn’t really matter who my opponent is.