'I like to dance in the pressure storm,' Jannik Sinner says ... and he did just that in his Australian Open triumph

By Steve Tignor Jan 28, 2024

Australian Open

First of many? Jannik Sinner's five-set comeback sinks Daniil Medvedev in Australian Open final

By Associated Press Jan 28, 2024

Australian Open

Soccer-mad Italy is now obsessed with tennis player Jannik Sinner after his Australian Open title

By Associated Press Jan 28, 2024

Australian Open

Three to See, Australian Open Day 6: Gauff vs. Parks, Djokovic vs. Etcheverry, Korda vs. Rublev

Before each day’s play in Melbourne, we’ll preview three must-see matches.

ByLiya Davidov

Published Jan 18, 2024

Advertising

0 2

6 6

Coco Gauff vs. Alycia Parks

An American showdown Down Under like no other. Gauff hasn't lost so far this year; Parks is channeling the passion behind her first main-draw appearance in Melbourne.

Both players are absolute powerhouses on court. Although Gauff is seeded considerably higher and accomplished much more, Parks cannot be dismissed so easily. She took out 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in straight sets, and by the looks of it, there’s plenty more in her tank to give.

Look for some shifts in momentum, big serves coming into play, and both of their fighting spirits pulsating through the stadium.

Advertising

6 6 7

3 3 6 ²

Novak Djokovic vs. Tomas Martin Etcheverry

For most players, including Etcheverry, making it to the third round of a Grand Slam is a big deal. For Djokovic, it’s more like a practice session: something you can set your clock to.

In the early rounds of majors, it’s difficult to persuade anyone that Djokovic could actually lose, and unfortunately for Etcheverry that is most likely still the case. The reason to tune in isn’t because of an upset, but rather the joy of watching one of Djokovic’s biggest fans play him on the biggest stage of his career. (Etcheverry has been open about his Djokovic fandom.)

Etcheverry has been sharing his journey from one ATP point to the next, comparing his improvement to inching closer to Djokovic’s ranking. It’s going to be a compelling showing of player vs. idol, and while that won't be enough to cause Djokovic’s demise, there's many reasons to watch.

Advertising

Will Rublev carry the Rublo line further Down Under, or will Korda be able to cut his run short?

2 6 ⁶ 4

6 7 6

Advertising

Sebastian Korda vs. Andrey Rublev

What happens when one American player bound by his injuries has an opportunity to take down the top-ranked Russian facing major hurdles at Slams? A must-see match.

Korda is one of those players who can really make a name for himself on the men’s tour when healthy enough to do so. He’s started the year off strong, having made it to the semifinals of Adelaide again, and hard courts are where his game can really shine. His "On The Rise" game style, in particular, will help him against this difficult opponent.

Rublev is battling his own demons. He is 0-9 in Grand Slam quarterfinals, and he’s going into 2024 with a plan of swapping out that zero before the nine hits double digits. But he's got a serious test well before another high-stakes QF.

Advertising