Sinner Supremacy

Sportstar's February 15 edition takes readers through a recap of this year's Australian Open — from Jannik Sinner's successful title defence to Madison Keys' dream run. This edition also provides review of the inaugural Women's Hockey India League, Sunil Gavaskar's latest column on the lack of trust shown by modern batters in their defensive techniques in the red-ball format as well as interviews of Olympic gold medallists Mo Farah and Yibbi Jansen.

Happy reading!

Modern batter doesn’t seem to trust his defensive technique anymore

The modern batter is consumed by the thrill of hitting sixes. Nothing wrong in hitting sixes. In fact, it is exciting indeed, but in the red-ball format, the bowler has a little more help from the ball than in the white-ball version, and the six can be a risky proposition. It makes sense to single out the bowler who could be a danger and play him out, then look to score off the lesser bowlers. There are more chances of a dismissal while looking to?play in a manner?that one is not used to, as was seen in the recent Sydney Test between India and Australia. Sunil Gavaskar doesn't hold back in his latest column.

A bold start with room to grow

The inaugural edition of the Women’s Hockey India League (HIL-W) can be best compared to that one terrifying ride at a theme park. You break out in a cold sweat and call out to all your gods the moment you are strapped in, but once it winds up, you’re somehow left craving more. It overcame challenges to deliver thrilling matches and strong fan engagement, marking a promising start. The HIL has arrived at an opportune moment — right as the Indian women’s team is undergoing a steady but gradual transition. Its success may end up setting an example for other emerging franchise leagues to follow. Review by Santadeep Dey .

Zverev no match for Sinner?‘The Terminator'

By winning the Australian Open 2025, Jannik Sinner broke (or equalled) several records himself, such as joining Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic (twice), Ivan Lendl, and John McEnroe in winning three consecutive Grand Slam titles on hard courts. He also became the eighth man in the Open Era, which began in 1968, to win his first three or more Major title matches. A paragon of high-level consistency, Sinner also faced no break points in the final of a Major, a feat achieved only by Federer at the 2003 Wimbledon and Rafael Nadal at the 2017 US Open. Paul Fein recaps all the action from this year's first Grand Slam.

Yibbi Jansen: The Dutch queen conquers Ranchi

Yibbi Jansen, FIH 2024 Player of the Year, has overcome challenges to win Olympic gold and inspire future players through her journey and standout performance in India’s inaugural HIL-W. The most expensive player in the tournament, she was the ?joint top-scorer of the tournament, alongside JSW Soorma Hockey Club’s Charlotte Englebert, with five goals. She was, by a fair distance, the best drag-flicking exponent, having registered five of the 11 short corners that were converted in the entire tournament. At present, she is arguably also the best penalty corner specialist in the sport globally. Interview by Santadeep Dey .

Mo Farah: As an athlete, you have to be honest with yourself

For Mo Farah, it may not have been an easy journey, but with sheer dedication, he went on to achieve what few could even imagine — four Olympic gold medals, six World Championships, and multiple European Championship titles. He also achieved the rare feat of consecutive Olympic long-distance doubles — in London 2012 and Rio 2016. Even after transitioning to marathons in 2017, the legendary athlete made his presence felt. In conversation with Shayan Acharya on the sidelines of the Mumbai Marathon, the global icon spoke at length on a range of topics, starting from his early days to how India can develop world-class athletes.