After playing the end-of-year final and then winning the Davis Cup a week later for Italy, Jannik Sinner is on a roll.
And the world No. 4 sees nothing but bright skies with barely a month left before the start of hostilities in Australia.
The 22-year-old from the German-speaking north of Italy lost to Novak Djokovic in the ATP Finals title match in Turin but defeated the world No. 1 in a Davis group match before leading Italy past Australia for the team title.
“It will be important to start next year as positive as in these months of 2023; it will be another year of many emotions,” Sinner told Eurosport.
“2024 has to be the year of my confirmation. Having the pressure be on you is an honor, but I must take it with a smile.
“I had an excellent end to the season, winning the Davis Cup provided a lot of emotions. Perhaps we have not yet realized how important that victory is for the Italians.”
Former Roger Federer coach Ivan Ljubicic is a big Sinner fan, with the Croat predicting great things for the former youth ski racing champion.
“Jannik He has nothing more to learn. He started by winning his first Masters 1000 (Toronto) then he beat all the No. 1s,” Ljubicic told Turin’s Tuttosport.
“He reached the final in Turin and lost it because he was very tired after a very demanding semi-final against (Daniil) Medvedev.
“But he had all five senses (present) in the Davis Cup and in his team. He has a perfect attitude both on and off the court, he is not afraid at all when it comes to talking about his limits and his experiences.”
Ljubicic said that the Davis Cup trophy will serve Sinner well for his Australian start.
“He will” arrive in Australia with a solid (title) candidacy. He has already beaten the entire Top-10: now we have to see how he manages the moments in a Grand Slam.
Ljubicic explained: “When you have a bad day when you feel the pressure, if you think too much, and he is a very cerebral player, you can be in trouble.
“He is surrounded by very competent people. His character is his strength. He never loses his mind and is not satisfied with what he has done.”
