Tim Henman: Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka remain the players to beat despite new rivalries | Tennis News
Sky Sports analyst Tim Henman says the rivalry growing between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz is “hugely exciting” but Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka remain the players to beat in the game.
Sabalenka claimed back-to-back Australian Open titles after she defeated first-time Grand Slam finalist Qinwen Zheng in Melbourne last month.
Last year, Djokovic made history by winning his fourth US Open and record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a straight-sets victory against Daniil Medvedev.
“Sabalenka might not be the No 1 in the world but she is the player to beat,” Henman told Sky Sports News.
“Iga Swiatek has had amazing results and she deserves to be No 1 in the world but with the momentum and confidence Sabalenka has, it’s going to take an amazing performance to beat her.
“If Alcaraz and Sinner stay injury free they’re going to play each other a lot in the biggest and best tournaments. To have these new rivals at such a young age with so many opportunities, that’s hugely exciting.
“However, for me Djokovic is still the player to beat. He won three of the four majors last year. By his own admission he didn’t play well in the semi-finals of Melbourne but he’s still the man to beat.”
Henman added: “Sinner’s performance in Australia was absolutely fantastic and for me that was a continuation.
“There’s no doubt he was the most improved player of 2023 and then to be able to take that form into 2024 and win his first Grand Slam title was an incredible achievement and for Sinner it will be the first of many, he’s that good.”
Sabalenka stormed past Coco Gauff to claim her place in the Melbourne final in straight sets as she gained her revenge after the American was victorious in last year’s US Open final.
The world No 2 did not drop a set in seven matches and became the first player since countrywoman Victoria Azarenka 11 years ago to claim back-to-back titles here.
Highlights of the US Open final between Coco Gauff against Aryna Sabalenka at Flushing Meadows in New York.
“That win for Sabalenka against Gauff was huge because she lost to her in the US Open final when she’d been up a set and a break, and Gauff was able to turn it around,” Henman said.
“When you reflect a couple of years ago on WTA it was so unpredictable, you could probably give 15 or 20 female players that could win a Grand Slam.
“Now I look at it and think the top four have kind of separated themselves, they’re all major winners playing in the biggest and best events.
“Building those rivalries up is so important and that’s what we’re going to have the opportunity to see.”
‘Exciting to see Raducanu back on court’
Emma Raducanu suffered a straight-sets defeat to Ons Jabeur in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open last 16 on Wednesday.
Emma Raducanu was beaten 6-4 6-1 in her last-16 match against Ons Jabeur at the Abu Dhabi Open.
The former US Open champion found herself three games down in the first set, but mounted a fightback before her Tunisian opponent closed it out on her fifth attempt at set point.
Two-time Wimbledon finalist Jabeur stepped on the gas in the second set though, with the Briton taking just one more game as she suffered a 6-4 6-1 loss.
“I thought it was massively exciting to see Raducanu back on the court in 2024. She only played two tournaments but I was very impressed with her,” Henman said.
“If she can play a lot of matches and tournaments without getting those injuries that break her momentum then irrespective of the result, that would be a huge positive for her because her tennis game is so good. The results will come.”
Andy Murray is still looking for his first win in 2024 after he lost in straight sets to Tomas Machac in the first round of the Open 13 Provence in Marseille.
The best of the action from Andy Murray’s match against home hope Benoît Paire in the last 32 at the Open Sud de France.
Murray, who hasn’t won since October, was playing his fourth match of 2024 on Tuesday but delivered a disappointing performance as Machac beat him 7-5 6-4, with both players far from their best.
“There’s not doubt Murray doesn’t want to be losing in the first round which he has done on three occasions this year, but he still has the belief and the confidence that the wins will come,” Henman continued.
“His commitment and hunger and desire on the back of what he’s achievement is incredible. I think you also need to take into account when he was going through the hip surgery he was away for three and a half years.
“His efforts physically are amazing to be out there competing with a metal hip. If he starts playing better there will be plenty more wins to come.”
Sky Sports launches tennis channel
Sky Sports has confirmed a new home for tennis in the UK and Ireland, with Sky Sports Tennis to launch on Sky and NOW from February 11, making tennis content available every day for fans.
Take a look at Sky Sports’ brilliant new tennis advert! Don’t forget, play starts on February 11th.
Sky Sports will broadcast more live tennis than anywhere else, bringing over 4,000 matches from more than 80 tournaments a year on the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as full US Open coverage.
Sky Sports Tennis will be available to Sky Sports customers with Complete, Action and Arena packages, with viewers able to access multiple live court streams at the same time via the Sky Sports mobile app, the Sky TV app or red button and on NOW Bonus Streams, giving access to more live matches.
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