Might just be a coincidence or Jannik Sinner might just be practicing a major Rafael Nadal-esque tradition here

Jannik Sinner is seen wearing the same old shoes he used three years ago in his first match of the Australian Open.

Might just be a coincidence or Jannik Sinner might just be practicing a major Rafael Nadal-esque tradition here

Jannik Sinner and Rafael Nadal (image via: Imago)

Jannik Sinner has been one of the most consistent players in the last 12 months or so. The Italian has shown exemplary performances on the ATP Tour as well as in the David Cup. The 22-year-old led Italy to a Davis Cup title win after a long wait. 

With the first Grand Slam of the season starting on Sunday, Sinner is up against World No. 65 Botic van de Zandschulp. 

YouTube video

Besides, the match on the court was a unique tradition showcased by Sinner. Sinner was wearing the same Nike shoes in the match that he wore three years ago. A Twitter handle named Tennis Connected identified this similarity of tradition with Rafael Nadal. 

FS Video

Even though the Italian was showing off his new pair of shoes in the off-season, he decided to use his old pair in his first match of the season. It can be a case of superstition for the young player.

The Italian is currently leading the points tally in the first-round match against Botic Van de Zandschulp. The 22-year-old demolished the Dutch player in the first two sets of the match, 6-4, 7-5. 

Related: “We had our issues before,” Daria Kasatkina invites peace on court with Jelena Ostapenko after a crushing defeat against the Latvian just before the Australian Open

Can Jannik Sinner make it big in the major Grand Slams this time?

Sinner has been regarded as one of the most promising talents of the coming generation. However, he has never made it past the semi-finals of the Grand Slams.

Jannik Sinner was up against van de Zandschulp in his first match in the Australian Open, fans identify Sinner wearing old shoes like Nadal.
Jannik Sinner (image via: Tennis World USA)

Moreover, his record on the hard courts of the Australian Open is not up to his standards. Thus, he would like to rectify both of these remarks against him and make it big in Melbourne Park. 

With so much talent and good performances in the last year, Sinner would definitely enter the Grand Slam as one of the top seeds of the tournament.

However, the Italian can come up against a determined Andrey Rublev in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

In case you missed: