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.

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.”

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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.

JANNIK SINNER UPBEAT ABOUT HIS CHANCES

Sinner appears to be upbeat about his chances of defeating Djokovic for the first time in a grand slam.

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There is no doubt that this clash between two of the form players of the tournament is going to be an absorbing and a scintillating match-up.

The encounter will take place on Friday, 26 January from 05:30 (SA time).

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Dave Marshall is covering the 2024 Australian Open live from Melbourne exclusively for The South African website