Sinner looks to let racket do the talking

Italian will attempt to shut out the noise and defend his title in Melbourne

MELBOURNE — Being the dominant force in men's tennis, defending champion Jannik Sinner should be riding the crest of a wave as he prepares for the Australian Open, but instead, he returns to the scene of his maiden Grand Slam title under a cloud.

On the court, the 23-year-old Italian has opened a gap on his rivals, ending last year as the clear world No 1 after a remarkable season, in which he won eight titles and lost only six of the 79 matches he contested.

He capped 2024 with the ATP Finals title, and also led Italy to a successive Davis Cup crown.