Jannik Sinner mentioned he was prepared for the strain and expectation that got here with being a Grand Slam champion after turning into the primary Italian to win the Australian Open by beating Daniil Medvedev within the last on Sunday.
Being pressured to return from two units down in a primary Grand Slam last would check the nerves of any participant however the 22-year-old handled the strain within the ice-cool method with which he has met all success, and failure, over his younger profession.
“There’s at all times strain however the strain is one thing good. It’s a must to take it in a great way. It’s a privilege, no?” he mentioned after his 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win over the Russian third seed.
“As a result of there aren’t so many gamers who’ve this sort of strain however within the different approach, when you have got strain, it’s at all times, okay, he believes that I can actually do it.
“So sure, I like to bop within the strain storm. I don’t know the right way to say. Like me personally, I prefer it, as a result of that’s the place more often than not I convey out my greatest tennis.
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“I’m additionally fairly relaxed on this event, as a result of I at all times attempt to get pleasure from being on courtroom.”
Sinner had been extensively tipped as a possible Grand Slam champion at Melbourne Park this 12 months after ending final season as the most well liked participant on the ATP Tour.
He adopted that by main Italy to their first Davis Cup title in late November and on Sunday Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was fast to supply her congratulations.
“Jannik Sinner writes a brand new web page of historical past as we speak that makes us proud,” she wrote on social media. “For the primary time, Italy wins the Australian slam. A memorable feat worthy of a real champion.”
Sinner mentioned representing Italy was maybe an important a part of his triumph.
“With the ability to make them pleased as we speak, as a result of I really feel like… they push me additionally, that I can imagine in myself after which having a lot assist, it’s wonderful,” he mentioned.
The closest Sinner obtained to betraying actual emotion in his post-match media appearances was when he spoke about the way in which his dad and mom had supported his dream however not put any strain on him.
That mentioned, he felt he was greater than prepared for the eye and expectation that becoming a member of the Grand Slam winners’ membership would convey.
“I really feel it’s a part of the sport, no?” he mentioned. “Me, I’m extraordinarily pleased that I’m on this place now. I’ve an ideal workforce behind me who is aware of what I’ve to do.
“It’s all a part of the method. Clearly having this trophy, it’s a tremendous feeling. I really feel grateful to have this right here. However I do know that I’ve to work even tougher, as a result of the opponents, they’ll discover the way in which to beat me and I’ve to be ready.”