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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Tumaini Carayol

Jannik Sinner’s biggest opponent is off the court after astounding rise to the top

Jannik Sinner led Italy to the Davis Cup after a solo season with two grand slams and an ATP Finals victory.
Jannik Sinner led Italy to the Davis Cup after a solo season with two grand slams and an ATP Finals victory. Photograph: Juan Medina/Reuters

At the end of the 2023 tennis season, as Jannik Sinner had elevated his game to new heights and his Italy team to their first Davis Cup title in 46 years, there was one comparison to note. Thirteen years earlier, Novak Djokovic had found his way after a difficult period by winning the Davis Cup, a victory that provided a platform for one of the greatest tennis seasons in 2011 and the start of his decade-plus reign.

Sinner’s first triumph for Italy at the Davis Cup has similarly preceded a staggering breakout season and, one year on, he ends 2024 as by far the best and most consistent tennis player in the world.

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