High praise: Woodbridge says Sinner is the best player in the world right now.
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Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam tournament, is popularly called the ‘Happy Slam’.
Two players who will be desperate for it to be so are men’s World No. 1 and defending champion Jannik Sinner, and women’s World No. 2 and five-time Major winner Iga Swiatek.
The duo failed dope tests last year, with Sinner provisionally suspended – later overturned – and Swiatek accepting a one-month ban in November.
But more than the perceived offences, what caused consternation among their peers – 24-time Slam winner Novak Djokovic included – was the total secrecy. The World Anti Doping Agency has since appealed Sinner’s exoneration and a decision is expected after the Australian Open.
But doubles legend Todd Woodbridge, winner of 16 men’s doubles Majors, said that the issue will not cloud proceedings at Melbourne. “One of the great positives to come out of those cases is that our sport is dealing with them properly,” the Australian told select media.
“There was so much negativity about Simona Halep’s process and how long it took (more than a year). But that has been fixed. You should be innocent until proven guilty. Sinner and Swiatek were able to show the cause and the effect, and it has allowed everybody to get back to normal.”
Title defence
Woodbridge, in fact, rated Sinner’s chances highly. “He is the best player in the world right now and been the most consistent. But he hasn’t defended a Slam title yet. It is different mentally. Great players like Novak look at it as a singular new tournament rather than a title-defence. That’s what Sinner has to contemplate”.
The 23-year-old Italian is set to face tough competition from Carlos Alcaraz, who can complete a career Grand Slam (winning all four Majors at least once). But the Spanish World No. 3 has not been past the quarterfinal in three prior visits.
Alcaraz plays a backhand during a practice session ahead of the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park.
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“This is his best chance yet,” Woodbridge said. “He didn’t get to Australia after winning his first Major [in 2022]. Last year, he looked all at sea without his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero. Now, he’s had a chance to do proper pre-season after that extraordinary run [in 2024] through Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the Olympics. It’ll be some feat if he can have all four Majors at such a young age (21).”
Still a favourite
Ten-time champion Djokovic is ranked No. 7 and without a ATP Tour-level title in more than 12 months. But Woodbridge said the Serb will remain one of the favourites.
“One thing that motivates him is winning Grand Slam titles. It’s not about getting the No. 1 ranking anymore but about extending that lead [24 Slams]. He’s got to prove [to Alcaraz and Sinner] that he’s not willing to give it all up yet. It’s unfinished business [for him]”.
(Watch Australian Open 2025 from January 12, 5:30 a.m. onwards live on Sony Sports Ten 1, 2 & 5).
Published – January 06, 2025 09:44 pm IST
