Jannik’s sensational run began a year ago with victory in Ohio: between Slams, Masters 1000 and ATP Finals, the Italian has always reached the final. Tonight he faces Alcaraz

On August 20, 2024, Jannik Sinner triumphed in Cincinnati, beating Tiafoe. A few hours later, news broke that he had tested positive for Clostebol and was subsequently acquitted by the independent court of Sports Resolutions. Although cleared by the official judges, the world number one would end up in the dock before the “judges of the people” and would experience sleepless nights under the weight of WADA’s appeal to the CAS. In February, he agreed to a suspension with the anti-doping agency, which meant three months away from the circuit and then a return to the scene. Now that all this is just a memory, you can clearly see the difference in Jannik’s face compared to a year ago. He is smiling, bright, and lighthearted.

It has been 12 months on a rollercoaster. So many things have happened, both on and off the court. One thing is certain: when it mattered, Sinner always delivered. His string of results in major tournaments is impressive. From Cincinnati to Cincinnati, the Italian has always reached at least the final, between Slams, Masters 1000 and ATP Finals. Today marks the ninth tournament in a row in which Sinner has reached the final day of competition. The streak began a year ago in the 1000 in Ohio, after the South Tyrolean, who had become world number one during Roland Garros, lost in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon and Montreal and withdrew from the Olympics. Those were very difficult months, marked by physical problems and stress. Despite everything, Sinner resumed winning in Cincinnati and has not stopped in the formidable second half of 2024: triumph at the US Open (against Fritz), final in the 500 in Beijing (knocked out by Alcaraz), victory in the 1000 in Shanghai (against Djokovic), victory at the ATP Finals in Turin (again against Fritz in the final).

Melbourne and return—  How can we forget the conquest of the second Davis Cup in a row, with three wins out of three in Malaga? 2025 began with a repeat performance at the Australian Open, beating Zverev in the final. In February, he reached an agreement with WADA and took a three-month break. In May, he returned to the Internazionali. Far from rusty, Sinner immediately returned to top form, losing only to Alcaraz in the final, as at Roland Garros. He adapted to grass in Halle, in the 500 tournament that saw him exit in the second round, and then came his historic success at Wimbledon, thanks to his rematch against the Spaniard. With Cincinnati, we are now at nine consecutive finals in major tournaments (excluding the two 500s played): six wins and two losses, awaiting tonight’s challenge against Carlos.