The defending champion Jannik Sinner has made it to the final of the Australian Open again. At Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, the World No.1 and two-time Major winner will look to stamp his domination in Melbourne with a second straight title win. He’s up against the World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who will be playing in his first-ever final at the Major down under. Considering the form he’s been in since last season, Sinner looks to be a clear favorite. And why not? The Fox’s determination and consistency on the court have brought him massive success lately. But significant credit for his professional achievements also goes to his parents. They have always supported him in pursuing his dreams, no matter what.

Sinner was born in 2001 in Innichen, South Tyrol, Italy to Johann and Siglinde Sinner. The 2024 ATP Finals champion’s father is a professional chef while his mother is a former waitress. They both met while working at a ski lodge called Talschlüsshutte Hut in Italy; while Johann was a chef there, Siglinde worked alongside him as a waitress. Interestingly, in his childhood, Sinner didn’t begin with playing tennis but rather chose other sports. He tried skiing in the 8 to 12-year-old category, and remained a top skier in Italy. In fact, he still goes skiing during the off-season period. However, at age 7, he started taking an amateur interest in the racket sport due to his father’s fondness for the sport.

Jannik’s pursuit of tennis was spurred on primarily by his parents. They never really forced him to follow a specific sport, but allowed him freedom in terms of his professional endeavors. At age 13, he eventually decided to take up tennis as a career. “I wish that everyone could have my parents because they always let me choose whatever I wanted to,” he said after becoming the first Italian in 50 years to win a singles Grand Slam, in Australia last season. Continuing further, he added, “Even when I was younger, I also [played] some other sports and they never put pressure on (me)… I wish that this freedom is possible for as many young kids as possible. Thank you so much (to) my parents,” reported People magazine in January 2024.

Due to his busy schedule, the Italian’s parents are not able to travel with him most of the time. However, his dedicated father found a unique solution to this tricky situation. He opted to join the Fox’s team as his main cook on tours. That way, Sinner and his father Johann get time to spend with each other. During 2023’s BNP Paribas in Indian Wells, he revealed, “My dad was a chef (for over) 40 years or more… He knows how to cook and obviously it’s very nice to have him around.”

At this stage of his life, being 23, Sinner may have achieved a lot of success but he still remains close with his parents. After his maiden Australian Open victory last year, he admitted, “I’m the normal person who I was when I was a very young kid with a big dream and now I’m just a 22-year-old (still) with a big dream.” Well, his only dream right now must be to lift a second straight Major trophy down under. Last year, he made the world took notice of him – this time the world knows that he can win the title.

But his opponent is no slouch either. If anything, Sinner is going to have his hands full with the German later today at  the Rod Laver Arena. And according to a former ATP pro, World No. 2 Zverev may even have a solid chance to ruin the Italian’s dream of a third Slam.

Alexander Zverev expected to end Jannik Sinner’s dominant run

The German has been an experienced ATP star but he’s not been able to taste the Grand Slam glory yet. His first appearance in a Slam final was during last year’s French Open. Unfortunately, he couldn’t create magic at the Roland Garros. Spanish sensation and former World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz beat him in the championship battle. Despite trailing in second and third sets, he overcame Zverev’s challenge with a score line of 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.

After the French Open, Sunday’s match will mark Zverev’s second appearance in a Major final. While he has been the ATP Finals winner and has brought laurels for Germany, winning Gold medal at 2020 Tokyo Olympics, a much-coveted Slam’s still missing from his cabinet. Back in the semis of the 2021 US Open, he declared a tad prophetically, “I will be a Grand Slam champion at some point.” But unfortunately, he lost to Serbian legend, Novak Djokovic, back then. Perhaps now, the German’s time has arrived. American ex-pro Steve Johnson would be inclined to agree, if his wild prediction for the men’s draw at AO is any indicator.

In an episode of the Nothing Major podcast, Steve Johnson declared, “I am gonna stick with that prediction to say Sascha gets it done.” An interesting H2H stat also suggests that Zverev may have a golden opportunity to beat Sinner. Out of their six meetings so far, the German is leading 4-2 over the Italian. Comparing Sascha with several former tennis legends, Johnson added, “He is arguably one of the best players to not have won a slam. Definitely active for sure, I am like the Berdych, Ferrers, some of those guys like Nishikori, guys that haven’t won a Slam but I think he gets it done and yeah, I am excited to watch the match.”

It will be intriguing to see who emerges as the ultimate champion at Rod Laver Arena on January 26. Will Jannik Sinner be the winner in Melbourne or will Sascha stun him this time? What’s your prediction? Let us know in the comments below.