Exclusive: Jannik Sinner ‘will be ok’ for Novak Djokovic Australian Open semi-final clash after stomach issues

Jannik Sinner appeared to struggle with a stomach problem during his Australian Open quarter-final win, but later said he will “hopefully be okay” ahead of a blockbuster clash with Novak Djokovic.

During the second set, Sinner clutched his stomach on several occasions during points and looked in discomfort.

Whatever was troubling the No. 4 seed seemed to wear off by the time the third set came around, as he battled past Rublev to seal his semi-final spot.

After the match, Sinner said that the temporary problem might have been “something he ate” when he told Eurosport’s Laura Robson it was just “a bit of air”.

“[I think] there was a bit of air [in my stomach],” Sinner said. “I don’t know what exactly it [was], so we have to check.

“Maybe it was something I ate before the match. It went away with a bit of time, and in the third set I didn’t feel anything anymore.

“Hopefully it’s going to be okay.”

Sinner will need to be in tip-top shape if he is to reach his first Grand Slam final as he comes up against the 10-time Australian Open champion Djokovic.

The Serbian has won all 10 of his previous semi-finals and after another strong showing in Melbourne, is the favourite to land a spot in Sunday’s showdown.

Sinner will have two days off now to prepare himself for what is only the second semi-final of his career, after reaching the Wimbledon last four in 2023.

“[The two recovery days] are really important,” Sinner told Eurosport. “Trying to sleep as long as possible and having a little hit.

“Let’s see how I feel tomorrow. If not, I can take a complete day off and then hit [the following day] a little bit.

“Hopefully, I’m ready for a tough match. It’s going to be a really [difficult] one, but I’m looking forward to playing against Novak.

“Obviously, it’s going to be really tough but I will try my best and we will see what the outcome is.”