Jannik Sinner has won his first match back on Rod Laver Arena after returning for the first time since his Australian Open triumph last year.
Sinner saw off Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 7-6(2) in front of a packed crowd. Unlike his rivals including Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, Sinner decided not to play any ATP tournaments in the lead up to the Australian Open.
Likely owing to the fact that Sinner like many was playing late into the season in 2024. He did the same 12 months ago after a similarly busy schedule before winning his first major title before triumphing also at the US Open that year.
It is also semi a shock for Sinner in terms of the sudden change in weather. He has gone from snowy Italy where he spent Christmas with his family to the 30 degree heat of Melbourne with the Aussie summer. He was challenged by Popyrin who broke for a 4-2 lead in the second set.
But Sinner bounced back to claim a straight sets win. “Today we are friends – we are not opponents – so we all agree to have some fun here and I hope you guys enjoyed it," said Sinner as per AAP.
“2024 was an amazing season for me, but it’s already gone, so we are 2025,” he said. "We started every year here in Melbourne, which is an amazing city.
“So many things happened for me on the court and off the court, very special ones, so I’m very happy to be back here playing these kind of matches.
“Even if it’s kind of exhibition, for us it’s always very important trying to feel the court, trying to feel the pace.
“Obviously having the crowd here means so much to us, so thank you so much for coming and then we’ll see what’s coming down in the official tournament.”
Sealed with a delightful touch 🪽
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 7, 2025
Jannik Sinner beats Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 7-6(2) in a charity match on Rod Laver Arena! 👏#AO2025 pic.twitter.com/qVcOQeYysN
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
