Jannik Sinner has had a dream start to the 2022 season. The 20-year-old is unbeaten (in singles) this year having played at the ATP Cup before the Australian Open. Competing in his third Grand Slam Down Under, the Italian overcame the challenge of local hope Alex de Minaur to proceed into the quarterfinals. Further, after his 4th round match, he had a welcome (and possibly auspicious) guest at the Rod Laver Arena.

Jannik Sinner adds a ‘butterfly’ to his cap

During his on-court interview post the 4th round victory, a butterfly was seen hovering around the Italian. As the 20-year-old was following it, he was hilariously asked what had he improved upon besides attracting butterflies. The next-gen star replied, “last year for me was a long year. Many, many tournaments for me for the first time.”

As the Italian was answering the question, the butterfly sat on the back of his cap. Further, he added that during the match too, a butterfly was hovering beside his leg. He felt that this was a lucky sign since he had won the match. Moreover, he said, “I made a lot of experience in the last couple of months and I think that I’ve grown as a player and also as a person.”

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Butterflies visiting the Australian Open aren’t uncommon. Last year, Naomi Osaka spotted a butterfly around her during the third-round match, and she took it aside safely before resuming play. Novak Djokovic, too, had a meeting with the friendly guest last year at the Australian Open.

This has left fans speculating that Jannik Sinner might lift the Australian Open title this year after having been blessed by the ‘lucky’ butterfly, just like Osaka and Djokovic in 2021.

The 20-year-old at the Australian Open 2022

The Italian has started the new season with a bang. En route to the quarterfinals of the ‘Happy Slam’, the 20-year-old has dropped only a set, recording commanding victories in all his matches. In the first round, he defeated the experienced Joao Sousa of Portugal in straight sets. Further, in the second round, he overcame the challenge of the American Steve Johnson in straight sets. In the third round, he defeated the Japanese star Taro Daniel in four sets.

Can Jannik Sinner be the dark horse at this year’s Australian Open? Do let us know your views in the comments below.

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