By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, January 10, 2025
Photo courtesy: Kelly Defina/Getty
As the first Grand Slam of the year approaches, all eyes are on Jannik Sinner, with former world No. 1 Andy Roddick suggesting this could be Sinner’s final tournament for quite some time.
Roddick, an esteemed Hall of Famer, expresses confidence in Sinner’s ability to defend his Australian Open title, even amidst the looming threat of a doping suspension.
Pegula: Swiatek Case Brings Out Hope and Discontent
Last March, Sinner experienced two positive tests for the banned steroid clostebol, although the International Tennis Integrity Agency later confirmed these were in “low levels”. An independent tribunal ruled Sinner was at “no fault” for the contamination, allowing him to compete without suspension. He ultimately triumphed at the 2024 US Open.
WADA is now appealing Sinner’s steroid case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, aiming to impose a one to two-year suspension on the newly crowned US Open champion.
In his Australian Open Preview for Betway, Roddick predicts that Sinner could clinch his third Grand Slam title before facing a possible lengthy suspension.
Top-seeded Sinner kicks off his title defense against the formidable Chilean, Nicolas Jarry. He leads the top half of the draw, while fierce competitors Carlos Alcaraz and 10-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic are both positioned in the lower half.
“Jannik Sinner is my pick to win the Men’s title, and I have no doubt he can do it,” Roddick shared with Betway. “Can he replicate his dominance from the previous year?”
“However, he has that shadow of the WADA case looming over him, which makes it possible that we won’t see him in action for six months or even longer. His future really hinges on how the case unfolds, but I firmly believe he is the finest hardcourt player in the world right now.”
“He has effectively claimed the crown that belonged to Novak Djokovic for so long. Sinner is undoubtedly the one to beat in Australia, and I wouldn’t wager against him.”
The reigning champions of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, Alcaraz has dealt Sinner three of his six losses in 2024. This year, Alcaraz aims to become the youngest man to achieve a career Grand Slam.
Roddick emphasizes that consistent performance will be crucial for the Spanish sensation in his pursuit for glory at the Australian Open.
“Carlos Alcaraz is undoubtedly Sinner’s main contender, but he needs to nail down his consistency—a point he openly acknowledges,” Roddick stated to Betway. “Winning two Slams in 2024 is an incredible feat, but we know his peak performance might just be the best globally. He has triumphed in all his matches against Sinner in official tournaments, yet consistency remains a sticking point. Right now, who’s more likely to bow out early in a Slam—Sinner or Alcaraz? It’s Carlos.”
“I remember listening to Alcaraz at an event in Charlotte, where he quickly brushed aside the two Slams and dedicated more time discussing his need for consistency. I thought to myself: ‘You had a year that surpassed my entire career in just five weeks!’ His focus on improvement is commendable and makes him even more impressive.”
