Exclusive: Jannik Sinner 'will be ok' for Novak Djokovic Australian ...

23 Jan 2024

Eurosport.com

Updated 23/01/2024 at 16:29 GMT

Jannik Sinner has played down a stomach problem he suffered with during his Australian Open quarter-final win over Andrey Rublev and said "hopefully he'll be okay". The Italian clutched his stomach on several occasions during points, but later told Eurosport's Laura Robson it was just “a bit of air” and nothing to worry about ahead of a blockbuster semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic.

'Hopefully it will be OK' - Sinner optimistic over stomach issues

Photo Eurosport.com

Jannik Sinner appeared to struggle with a stomach problem during his Australian Open quarter-final win, but later said he will “hopefully be okay” ahead of a blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic.

During the second set, Sinner clutched his stomach on several occasions during points and looked in discomfort.

Whatever was troubling the No. 4 seed seemed to wear off by the time the third set came around, as he battled past Rublev to seal his semi-final spot.

After the match, Sinner said that the temporary problem might have been “something he ate” when he told Eurosport’s Laura Robson it was just “a bit of air”.

“[I think] there was a bit of air [in my stomach],” Sinner said. “I don’t know what exactly it [was], so we have to check.

Jannik Sinner v Andrey Rublev - Australian Open highlights

“Maybe it was something I ate before the match. It went away with a bit of time, and in the third set I didn’t feel anything anymore.

“Hopefully it’s going to be okay.”

Sinner will need to be in tip-top shape if he is to reach his first Grand Slam final as he comes up against the 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic.

The Serbian has won all 10 of his previous semi-finals and after another strong showing in Melbourne, is the favourite to land a spot in Sunday’s showdown.

Sinner will have two days off now to prepare himself for what is only the second semi-final of his career, after reaching the Wimbledon last four in 2023.

“[The two recovery days] are really important,” Sinner told Eurosport. “Trying to sleep as long as possible and having a little hit.

“Let’s see how I feel tomorrow. If not, I can take a complete day off and then hit [the following day] a little bit.

“Hopefully, I’m ready for a tough match. It’s going to be a really [difficult] one, but I’m looking forward to playing against Novak.

“Obviously, it’s going to be really tough but I will try my best and we will see what the outcome is.”

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