Jannik Sinner’s honest confession on how he felt serving for Australian Open title
Jannik Sinner served it out for his first Grand Slam title without showing any nerves against Daniil Medvedev at the Australian Open – but he admits he had very different emotions bubbling up inside.
Sinner’s stunning comeback from two sets behind to beat Medvedev ensured he became the first Italian to win the title in Melbourne.
Yet the pressure of the winning moment was felt by Sinner, as he admitted the final game was a major test of his nerve.
“It was a very tough match,” said Sinner. “He started off really well and moved me around the court.
“I couldn’t make my gameplan work, but somehow in the third set I was looking for the small chances and the match changed.
“There are so many emotions. It will take time for me to process it all.
“The last game was tough. I was looking for the first point, which was crucial.
“I went to the net and the volley was not clean, but it was there. I wanted to push, I didn’t want to wait.
“Also on the match point I wanted to go for it. It was tough. You feel it. I tried to move him and the chance was there to go for it.
“I was physically struggling, but in the final you have extra motivation.
“In my head, I knew he had so many hours on the court in this tournament and if the match went long, then maybe I might be the favourite.”
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Sinner also thanked his team which includes coach Darren Cahill, as he achieved his big dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion.
“My team, everyone in the box and also watching from home who works with me. We are trying to get better every day,” he added.
“Even during the tournament we were trying to get stronger, trying to understand the situation a bit better so I am so glad to have you there supporting me and understanding me which sometimes is not easy because I am still a little but young. It is what it is.
“I just want to thank everyone. Most importantly the support has been crazy You guys make me feel at home so thank you so much. It’s a court with 15,000 people but it feels like much more so thank you so much.
“Everyone who is watching from home, especially my family. I wish that everyone could have my parents because they always let me choose whatever I wanted to and even when I was younger, they never put pressure on myself.
“I wish this freedom is possible for as many young kids as possible, so thanks so much to my parents.”
After collecting the runners-up plate for a third time, Medvedev said: “I want to congratulate Jannik because today you showed again why you deserve it.
“Probably that’s not your last Grand Slam but I hope I can try to get the next one if we play in another final.
“It’s been an amazing two weeks. It always hurts to lose in the final but probably being in the final is better than losing before.
“I guess I have to try harder next time but I’m proud of myself.”
