Australian Open: Jannik Sinner 'trying to stay focused' as semi-final with Novak Djokovic remains on cards

Published 19/01/2024 at 07:31 GMT

On a day that saw the likes of Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff storm through their matches, Jannik Sinner was another in no mood for hanging around as he moved into the fourth round with a hammering of Sebastian Baez in just under two hours. Sinner elaborated afterwards on "trying to stay focused", his upcoming clash with Karen Khachanov, and the influence of his coach Darren Cahill.

Sinner storms past Baez with another emphatic win - Australian Open highlights

Jannik Sinner's quiet progress through the draw at the Australian Open goes on after a serene defeat of Argentina's Sebastian Baez, and the Italian admitted afterwards that he is "trying to stay focused" in his bid for a first major.

Sinner had a breakthrough end to 2023, winning the Davis Cup with his country and also landing a momentous win over Novak Djokovic on home soil in Turin at the year-end Tour Finals.

And the 22-year-old has carried that form into the start of the 2024 season, coming through all three of his matches so far in straight sets, with his win over Baez the most dominant of the lot.

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Should Sinner progress to the semi-finals in Melbourne, he could once again take on Djokovic, in a clash that many fans are already looking ahead to.

Sinner though, speaking after his 6-0 6-1 6-3 triumph over Baez, is preaching calm and a match-by-match approach.

He said: "I feel good on the court at the moment. The last two rounds I had two similar opponents. The first round was a little bit different. The next round is going to be completely different again.

"So as I said, I just try to stay focused, to stay calm. I enjoy every moment on the court and also off the court, I think everything is going in the right way.

"I do feel confident, no? I came here with a good off-season, preparation. And obviously the two matches in Kooyong, they helped me a little bit to get into match rhythm, and I'm just quite focused and also relaxed on the court at the moment.

Sinner 'trying to stay focused' as impressive run continues at Australian Open

"Let's see how I handle the situation when the score is even or I'm down, how I react. It's going to be interesting to see."

Part of Sinner's approach has seemed to be an increase in joviality, evidenced by his engagement with his fan group the 'Carota Boys', his humorous on-court interview after beating Baez, and some lighter moments with his coaching team during the match.

Asked about the latter, Sinner said: "You know, also in matches, I used to be really, really serious, which I still am, obviously.

"But, you know, even in practice sessions I consider myself as a really hard worker, but sometimes you have to smile, you have to laugh a little bit, because it's also important, and it changes your attitude on the court a little bit.

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"And today was the same. On 5-3 [in the final set] I joked a little bit, because it gives myself also a little bit of motivation sometimes."

Could the secret to Sinner's success also be in his coaching camp? The Italian boasts not only compatriot Simone Vagnozzi, but also the renowned Darren Cahill, who has worked with the likes of Andy Murray and Ana Ivanovic in the past.

"He is a very experienced coach," Sinner said of the Australian in his corner.

"He has coached so many players, bringing them to No. 1 in the world also, so all different players. So I truly believe that he is one of the best coaches ever in this sport."

Sinner takes on Karen Khachanov in the last 16.

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