Preparation Begins in Dubai
Jannik Sinner has already kicked off his preparation for the 2026 season in Dubai. Despite the workload, the world No. 2 enjoyed a short break this weekend by attending the final race of the Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi.
He was joined by his girlfriend Laila Hasanovic, his family, and members of his team at Yas Marina before returning to training for the new year.
Chasing a Third Straight Australian Open Title
The 24-year-old Italian will aim for his third consecutive Australian Open title, fully aware that he enters Melbourne Park as the player everyone wants to beat.
Sinner ended 2025 on a high, winning the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin for the second year in a row, and he now trails rival Carlos Alcaraz by just 550 ranking points.
With Sinner’s controversial WADA ban keeping him off the courts until May earlier this year, he has a strong chance to regain the No. 1 ranking from February onward.
Appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
During his time off, Sinner attended the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, adding a touch of relaxation to his preseason schedule.
Exhibition Matches Before Melbourne
Before the Australian Open begins on Sunday, 18 January 2026, Sinner will take part in two exhibition matches:
-
January 10, Seoul: vs. Carlos Alcaraz
-
January 16, Melbourne: vs. Felix Auger-Aliassime (two days before AO starts)
No Warm-Up Tournaments Once Again
As he has done in the past two seasons, Sinner confirmed he will skip all official tournaments leading up to the Australian Open. He told Sky Sports 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.”
Remarkable Major Consistency
Sinner has reached five consecutive Grand Slam finals, with his last non-final result coming at Wimbledon 2024.
