Sinner followed up his maiden triumph at Melbourne Park 12 months ago by winning the US Open last September.

The Slam double was among eight titles he won during a stellar 2024, establishing himself as the leading player in the men’s game in the same season that Rafael Nadal’s retirement left Novak Djokovic as the last ‘Big Three’ player standing.

Sinner claimed his first major in dramatic circumstances last January, recovering from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller before embarking on a memorable season in which he won 73 of 79 matches.

Sinner has dropped just two sets in six matches at this year’s tournament, despite battling illness in his fourth-round win over Holger Rune and cramp in the semi-finals against Ben Shelton.

His run to his second Australian Open final has come against the backdrop of the Italian’s ongoing doping case, which will be heard behind closed doors at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) from 16-17 April.

The World Anti-Doping Agency appealed against the decision to clear Sinner of blame after he twice tested positive for a banned substance last March and is seeking a one to two-year ban.

“There’s a lot of things going on, on and off the court,” said Sinner.

“I try to isolate myself a little bit, trying to be myself on the court. There are days where it’s easier, days where I struggle a little bit more.

“I’m just happy to play for a big trophy again.”