Jannik Sinner’s subtle changes at the Australian Open are not just about Carlos Alcaraz | ATP tour | Tennis

Jannik Sinner

Sinner’s subtle changes aren’t just about Alcaraz

The Italian world number 2 has won the past two titles Down Under
January 16, 2026

Could we see more of Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open?

Looking for a three-peat at the first major of the year – and the longer-term goal of returning to No. 1 in Carlos Alcaraz’s PIF ATP Rankings – Sinner said progress and his serve were two areas the team worked on in the offseason.

“We have worked a lot on the transition to the internet,” says the 24-year-old. “We’ve changed a few things in the service. But it’s all small details. When you’re at the highest level, it’s the small details that make the difference.”

“But I would say: during the first matches you try to get used to the feeling of the match, and then you try to add something. We’ll see how it goes. We’ll see under what conditions we play.”

The two-time reigning Australian Open and Nitto ATP Finals champion said the minor adjustments to his game were not solely aimed at improving his chances of beating world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, who he cannot dethrone in Melbourne. The duo have shared the past eight Grand Slam titles and contested the past three finals, with Alcaraz triumphing at Roland Garros and the US Open and Sinner taking honors at Wimbledon.

“It’s not just for one specific player,” Sinner said. “Look, when you add something to your game, the idea is to get better as a tennis player. It’s not about beating one guy. It’s more about being comfortable in every situation. That’s what we tried to do in the offseason.”

“We have worked a lot physically. The physical part is also so important now, because the matches can last very long, but also very intense. Tennis is now very fast. You have to stay at the highest physical level for as long as possible.”

“The season is very long, so you have to manage your body in the best possible way. Also the mental ability to stay there all the time will be very important.”

Sinner also spoke about being able to convince Darren Cahill to stay on his coaching team alongside Simone Vagnozzi. Last year the Australian said 2025 could be his last year in the team.

“He is so important to all of us, to the whole team,” Sinner said. “He has enormous experience. He now knows me not only as a player, but also as a person in a different way.”

“He is very important. He is the man who has everything under control. He is our father for the whole team (smiling). It is good to have him. You feel in a very safe place. It is good.”

Sinner starts his title defense against Frenchman Hugo Gaston. He is seeded to meet Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round and Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.