Jannik Sinner’s subtle change at Australian Open not all Carlos Alcaraz’s fault | ATP Tour

Jannik Sinner

The subtle changes in The Sinner are not all Alcaraz’s fault.

Italy’s world number two has won the past two Australian championships

January 16, 2026

Might we see more of Jannik Sinner in net this Australian Open?

With a long-term goal of seeking a third consecutive title at the first major of the year and regaining the No. 1 spot in the PIF ATP Rankings from Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner said advancing and serving are two areas the team has worked on in the offseason.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into transitioning to online,” the 24-year-old said. “Serve-wise, we changed a few things. But it’s little details. When you’re at the top level, those little details make a difference.

“But I would say the first game you try to get used to the feel of the game again and then after that you try to add some things. We’ll see how things go. We’ll see the conditions in which we play.”

The two-time defending Australian Open and Nitto ATP Finals champion said the slight changes to his game were not just about improving his chances of beating world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who he was unable to beat in Melbourne. The pair have won the last eight Grand Slam singles titles and have competed in the past three finals, with Alcaraz winning at the French Open and the U.S. Open, while Sinner took the honors at Wimbledon.

“It’s not just about one particular player,” Sinner said. “Look, if you add something to your game, the goal is to become a better tennis player. It’s not about beating a guy. It’s more about feeling comfortable in every situation. That’s what we try to do in the offseason.

“We do a lot of physical training. Also, the physical part is very, very important now because the matches can be long but also very intense. In tennis now, it’s very fast. You have to stay at the highest physical level for as long as possible.

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

Sinner also spoke about being able to convince Darren Cahill to remain in his coaching staff alongside Simon Vagnozzi. Last year, the Australian suggested that 2025 could be his last year with the team.

“He’s very important to all of us, to the whole team,” Sinner said. “He has a lot of experience. He not only knows me as a player now, but he now knows me as a person in a different way.

“He’s very important. He’s a guy who takes control. He’s a father figure to our whole team (smiles). It’s good to have him. You feel like you’re in a very safe place. It’s good.”

Sinner will begin his title defense against Frenchman Hugo Gaston. His seed will face Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca in the third round and Novak Djokovic in the semifinals.