It's Jannik's Time: Social Challenge with Alcaraz. The Tas acquits Harris and ignites hope

They look at each other from afar Sinner e alcaraz. As two asteroids on a collision course know: sooner or later they will find each other. Their convincing starts? Almost a synonym for the final, with yesterday the Spaniard taking some more rust off those wings of a phenomenon, beating the Japanese Nishioka 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. Opponent and small uncertainties in service swept away with a clear performance and a warning via social media directed to the number 1 'fox' in the world: "Am I a service robot?". Yes, Carlitos studied it in the off season, as did Jannik. But it is certainly not new to hear a top-level tennis player say: "I worked on something new". Percentages, no (for now): if the dynamics in service of Jannik was a bit, the statistics, in the match against Jarry certainly did not make your eyes pop out.

While Alcaraz works Jannik on the flanks, the Italian today faces the obstacle Schoolkate. Australian, he plays at home and will have a clear mind: "In the end I have nothing to lose". Sinner will be able to count on a large television audience also from Italy since he will not take the field before 9 in the morning (the Australian Open are live on Sky and Dazn). On paper, the match is one-sided: the two have never faced each other, and there is a huge gap between them in the standings. The Aussie could be helped by the home court advantage, but Sinner has already shown that he knows how to close himself in a bubble where there is only him, the court and his opponent. As he did with the Clostebol case, which is expected to end after mid-April. In view of the hearing at the CAS in Lausanne, there is a case that could make Jannik sleep a little more peacefully. The Court of Arbitration for Sport has just acquitted Canadian curler Briane Harris for no intent or negligence. The athlete from Winnipeg had received a 4-year suspension after testing positive for Ligandrol, a supplement that stimulates testosterone production. Well, the Canadian appealed, managing to prove that she had been contaminated through intimate relations with her husband. The latter used it without ever having communicated it or being concerned about the fact that the substance could also be conveyed through the exchange of bodily fluids. And now Harris will be able to immediately return to the track. Needless to say, the case is similar to that of Sinner, victim of contamination.

But in Australia it's not just Jannik's day. Great morning for the Italian colors, with Jasmine Paolini against the Mexican Zarazua not before 9 in the morning. From 7 there is Matteo Berrettini, who has the difficult task (perfectly within his remit) of beating Holger Rune and also Sonego, against the Brazilian prodigy Fonseca, candidate for a giant-killer role in this tournament. While you read this, Musetti should have already played (with Shapovalov at 2,30); Lucia Bronzetti (against Cristian, 4,30). Passaro's dream ended yesterday, defeated by Bonzi in four sets. Djokovic does not shine (6-1, 6-7 (4/7), 6-3, 6-2a Faria), but enters history by beating Roger Federer. His 430th Slam match is still a success.