‘Dancing in pressure storm’ helps Sinner find his rhythm
Young champion soaks up stress to produce his best tennis in tense moments
Acomposed Jannik Sinner is ready for what comes next after winning a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.
Ever since bursting onto the scene as a 17-year-old in 2019, the Italian has been touted as one of the sport’s future greats.
“I like to dance in the pressure storm,” he said of his seemingly serene approach to the most tense moments.
It was his third straight win over a top-5 player after his quarterfinal victory over Andrey Rublev and his semifinal upset that ended No 1-ranked Novak Djokovic’s long-standing domination of the tournament.
It’s a feat previously achieved only by Djokovic and Roger Federer in a major played on hard courts — putting him in great company.
Sinner is the first Italian to win the Australian Open, and the youngest winner in a men’s final here since Djokovic won his first Grand Slam title in 2008.
It has been a five-year grind to reach the pinnacle, and the grind continued with a come-from-behind five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev in Melbourne on Sunday. However, the prodigious young talent is taking it in his stride.
“I’m extremely happy that I am in this position now. I have a great team behind me that knows what I have to do,” he said of the extra spotlight that will now inevitably fall on him.
He pointed to having Darren Cahill in his corner as a coach, with the Australian having been there and bought the T-shirt.
Cahill guided Lleyton Hewitt to become the second-youngest world No 1-ranked player, before coaching Andre Agassi to become the oldest player to achieve the feat.
He has also worked with a host of other high-profile players, including Andy Murray and Simona Halep, guiding the Romanian to the French Open title.
“With Darren, he has a lot of experience. He has been through this a number of times already,” said Sinner.
“So, you know, it’s all part of the process. Obviously having this trophy, it’s an amazing feeling. I feel grateful to have this here.
“But, I know that I have to work even harder, because the opponents ... will find a way to beat me, and I have to be prepared. Let’s see what comes in the future.”
A striking aspect of Sinner’s time
I like to dance in the pressure storm. I like it, because that’s where most of the time I bring out my best tennis. I’m extremely happy that I am in this position now. I have a great team behind me that knows what I have to do.”
Jannik Sinner, Australian Open champion
in Melbourne was his calm and composed demeanor, even when he found himself in trouble.
Against an ultra-aggressive Medvedev, he did not panic when he fell two sets behind, instead looking for chinks in the Russian’s armor, and, when one presented itself, he exploited it.
A privilege
“There is always pressure, but the pressure is something good. You have to take it in a good way. It’s a privilege, no?” He said.
“So yes, I like to dance in the pressure storm. Personally, I like it, because that’s where most of the time I bring out my best tennis. I’m also quite relaxed on these occasions, because I always try to enjoy being on the court.”
The 22-year-old is the first Italian man to win a Slam since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
It capped a highly successful six months for Sinner, who clinched his maiden ATP Masters crown in Toronto last August.
He backed that up with titles in Beijing and Vienna, before reaching the championship match on home soil at November’s ATP Finals and guiding Italy to Davis Cup success.
For Sinner, it has been the result of long-term planning by him and his team.
“I think what I did, not last year, but two years ago, getting to know my body better, getting to know my team better — this was a very important step for me,” he said.
“Then, last year we tried to get some more results. That made me believe that I can compete against the best players in the world.
“But, I still have to process this, because beating Novak in the semis and then Daniil in the final ... they are tough players to beat.
“So, it’s a great moment for me and my team, but we also know that we have to improve if we want to lift a big trophy again.”
With Carlos Alcaraz winning Wimbledon last year and Sinner winning the season-opening major, there’s the sense that a generational shift is occurring.
“I think the next generation is something that this sport needs, and it’s also a little bit of a gamechanger,” Sinner said. “It’s nice to be part of this generation.”
Sinner’s success has also lit a fuse for the sport in Italy, where his run to the ATP Finals championship match and leading role in the Davis Cup title win captured the country’s attention.
Not since motorcyclist Valentino Rossi or Olympic skiing champion Alberto Tomba, has a non-soccer athlete gained so much attention in Italy.
“I’ve never seen such a great yet simple champion,” Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Sports Minister, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, “I’m happy and honored that he’s Italian.”