Italy's Jannik Sinner (right) embraces Australian amateur Jordan Smith during the One Point Slam event, which took place ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photograph: David Gray / AFP via Getty ImagesIt’s only January, but I think I’ve already watched the greatest slice of live television entertainment I’ll see all year. [ Roger Federer hails Alcaraz and Sinner's 'great' rivalry amid Australian Open returnOpens in new window ]Some stars, anxious to avoid losing face, will fluff their lines. It’s easy to spot tennis players beset by nerves. Like the tennis players, they risk either playing it too safe or taking too big a swing.

Source: The Irish Times January 17, 2026 23:53 UTC