John McEnroe who often gets criticised for his gaffes when it comes to commentary such as saying Nicolas Jarry was unknown once again courted criticism on Thursday at the Australian Open.

Sinner was the most impressive hard-court player in 2024, losing three times on the surface last season to secure the Australian Open and US Open, either side of friendly rival Carlos Alcaraz claiming the French Open and successfully defending his Wimbledon title.

No. 1 Jannik Sinner launched his Australian Open title defense with a 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-1 win over Chile's Nicolas Jarry on Monday.

Djokovic is on a collision course to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals, Coco Gauff opens against former champ Sofia Kenin. Read more at straitstimes.com.

World number one Jannik Sinner was drawn Thursday against big-hitting Nicolas Jarry to start his Australian Open defence while Novak Djokovic is on a collision course to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the quarter-finals.

"I do think he is the best hard-court player in the world. He has wrestled that mantle away from Novak Djokovic"

Australian Open champ Jannik Sinner began his title defense in straight sets style, overpowering Chile's Nic Jarry 7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-1. In the second set tiebreak, Sinner had a lot of nervy moments but got to set point with a poor drop shot from his opponent.