Jannik Sinner's preparation for the 2026 season has already begun in Dubai, but the world number 2 allowed himself some relaxation this weekend by attending the last GP of the Formula 1 World Championship staged live in Abu Dhabi.
The 24-year-old from Sesto Pusteria brought his girlfriend Laila Hasanovic, his family and members of his team with him to Yas Marina, before resuming training ahead of the new year. The Italian star will try to win the title at the Australian Open for the third year in a row, being aware that he is the man to beat at Melbourne Park.
The four-time Grand Slam champion ended 2025 in the best possible way, triumphing at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the second time in a row and moving to just 550 points behind his huge rival Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings. Jannik will have the chance to overtake the 22-year-old Spaniard again from February onwards, as he was unable to play until May this year due to the controversial ban imposed on him by WADA.
Sinner attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Before the start of the Happy Slam – which will kick off on Sunday 18 January – the world number 2 will be the protagonist of a couple of exhibition matches. More precisely, he will face Alcaraz in Seoul on January 10, 2026 and will also play with Canadian ace Felix Auger-Aliassime in Melbourne on January 16 (two days before the start of the AO).
As he has already done in the last two seasons, the former world number 1 has decided not to participate in official tournaments before the Australian Open and confirmed his choice to the microphones of 'Sky Sports' while he was in Abu Dhabi.
“Next tournament, Australian Open middle of January. So we have some time off, time to practice and try to get ready for next year” – he stated.
Sinner has reached at least the final in the last five Major tournaments played (his last elimination before the final dates back to the 2024 Wimbledon Championships).
