Jannik Sinner continues course towards Novak Djokovic clash as he has simple mindset: "Try to stay focused and calm"

Jannik Sinner continues his winning streak at the 2024 Australian Open and remains hesitant to look ahead to a potential face-off with Novak Djokovic. The Italian quietly progresses through the main draw with ease, having not dropped a set in the first three rounds. As of now, he is the only player in the fourth round who has not conceded a set.

Sinner has already defeated Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 7-5, 6-3) and Jesper de Jong (6-2, 6-2, 6-2), and the match against the 26th seed Sebastian Baez (6-0, 6-1, 6-3) was even more comfortable. "I feel good on the court at the moment,” said the world No. 4.

Reflecting on his recent opponents, Sinner mentioned that the last two had similar playing styles, unlike the first round: “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.”

In the fourth round, Sinner will face Karen Khachanov (15th seed). The Russian is always a formidable opponent, and last year, he had an impressive run to the semifinals in Melbourne. Regarding his upcoming rival, Sinner commented, "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.”

Jannik Sinner has asserted his dominance in all his matches at this year's Australian Open, recognizing that as he progresses, opponents may pose greater challenges. "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," he added. "You know, also in matches, I used to be really, really serious, which I still am, obviously.”

The Italian also shared his desire to bring a lighter atmosphere to his on-court demeanor: "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,” the 22-year-old young star added.

"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," Jannik Sinner concluded.