Tristan Schoolkate prepares for Australian Open showdown with Jannik Sinner

Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate is determined to play with freedom against Jannik Sinner when he meets the world No. 1 in his second-round clash on Thursday.

Facing a mountainous task after a brilliant four-set win over Japan’s Taro Daniel in his main draw debut at Melbourne Park, the West Australian said he was trying not to let it occupy his mind until the final hours before the match.

Already an accomplished doubles player, Schoolkate enjoyed a breakout singles campaign in 2024 as he turned a reciprocal wildcard for the US Open into a second-round appearance – again by beating Daniel in his opening match.

It was enough for Tennis Australia to grant the 23-year-old entry into the main draw at his home slam for the first time, and has set up the biggest match of his life.

”I’m very excited. Initially, it didn’t really kick in at all (that Sinner was next),” Schoolkate told this masthead on Wednesday.

“I’d just finished playing my match, I was focusing on just recovering and getting ready for the doubles.

“(Wednesday) I was just focused on playing doubles and enjoying that – I can leave the thoughts about the match until tomorrow.”

Schoolkate joined forces with his regular doubles partner Adam Walton after the latter lost his first-round singles game, and the pair claimed a 6-2, 7-6 victory to push deeper into the tournament.

He was almost ready to turn his full attention to Sinner, as his phone blew up with messages from key Australian tennis figures including Davis Cup captain Lleyton Hewitt.

“I’ve had a lot of people reach out after the success of the first round. Lleyton (Hewitt) did send his regards and said ‘congratulations and good luck’. It’s a big match, for sure,” Schoolkate said.

“Playing the No. 1 in the world, you don’t get that opportunity every day, and I look forward to it.

“Everyone’s trying to knock (Sinner) off – he’s the best player in the world at the moment, especially on hard courts.

“I’ll go out there and have a crack. I’ve got nothing to lose, and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”