Jannik Sinner now reacts to what Carlos Alcaraz said before the Australian Open started as he makes it through the first round

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Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are both safely into the Australian Open second round after wins against Nicolas Jarry and Alexander Shevchenko respectively.

Coco Gauff thinks Sinner will win the Australian Open, with his title defence beginning with a hard-fought 7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-1 victory.

Alcaraz meanwhile clinched a 6-1, 7-5, 6-1 win to set up a second round meeting with Yoshihito Nishioka, while Sinner takes on Tristan Schoolkate.

ATP number one Sinner enjoyed his Australian Open opener, having won his first Grand Slam title at the tournament in 2024.

He finished last year with the US Open title, with world number three Alcaraz winning the French Open and Wimbledon.

Jannik Sinner understands Carlos Alcaraz’s career Grand Slam goal

The Spaniard is now aiming to complete the career Grand Slam in Melbourne this month, having also won the US Open.

Sinner was informed of his rival’s main goal for 2025 in an interview with ESPN, with the Italian replying: “I understand him.

READ MORE: Australian Open 2025: How to watch, prize money, dates and everything you need to know

“I know what is missing to him, the career Grand Slam. There are many others who also want this, so let’s see.

“You never know. Two weeks are very long, trying to be as positive as possible in tough moments and then we will see.”

Which career Grand Slam winners can Carlos Alcaraz emulate by winning the Australian Open?

Despite being just 21, Alcaraz already boasts four Grand Slam titles, with the youngster having won majors on all three surfaces.

He emerged victorious at the 2022 US Open and Wimbledon 2023 before winning the French Open and Wimbledon last year.

READ MORE: Carlos Alcaraz says what happens when he sees Jannik Sinner win tennis tournaments which is ‘good’ for him

The Australian Open is now last on the list, with Alcaraz’s best finish in Melbourne coming in last year’s quarter-final.

But given his recent form, a career Grand Slam is now on the cards, with eight men having achieved the feat of winning all four major titles in their careers.

Fred Perry, Don Budge, Rod Laver and Roy Emerson were among the early achievers, followed later on by Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

A total of 10 women meanwhile have achieved the superb feat; Maureen Connolly Brinker, Doris Hart, Shirley Fry Irvin, Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova.