Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner has fulfilled his long-standing promise by securing the Grand Slam title in an impressive comeback against Daniil Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old Italian initially struggled to keep up with the pace set by the Russian, finding himself trailing by two sets. However, Sinner showcased his resilience and determination, ultimately triumphing with a scoreline of 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in his very first major final.
As the match progressed, Sinner gradually asserted himself and imposed his game on his opponent. This victory marks a significant milestone in his career, solidifying his status as a rising star in the tennis world.
For Medvedev, it was yet another bitter disappointment, having previously squandered a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final. The Russian player will undoubtedly be left pondering what could have been.
The Australian Open final guaranteed a first-time champion in Melbourne, as Sinner had previously eliminated the 10-time winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. This remarkable achievement further highlights Sinner’s exceptional talent and potential in the sport.
Sinner ensured his place on the trophy, showcasing the talent that many had anticipated would lead to a triumph in a Grand Slam. The match, which lasted nearly four hours, was truly epic.
“It’s an incredible feeling. I need some time to fully comprehend and embrace it, especially since it’s my first time,” Sinner expressed to Australia’s Channel Nine.
“At the age of 22, it has been an extraordinary journey thus far.”
Medvedev, the third seed at 27 years old, has faced defeat in five out of six major finals, including matches against Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal in 2022 at Melbourne Park.
With a remarkable forehand winner down the line, Sinner secured the victory and joyfully collapsed onto the baseline in celebration.
Medvedev, appearing dejected as he contemplated the defeat from his seat, mustered a gesture of approval towards the spectators as they acknowledged his valiant performance.
Although the loss in the final stung, Medvedev acknowledged that reaching the final was a commendable achievement in itself, surpassing the disappointment of an earlier exit. Notably, he etched his name in history by spending a remarkable 24 hours and 17 minutes on the court, a record at a Grand Slam tournament.
“I am always driven to emerge victorious, and I understand that I must exert even greater effort in my future endeavors.”
Sinner kicks off 2024 with an exceptional performance, brimming with inspiration.
The name of Sinner has become a prominent topic of discussion among tennis enthusiasts in 2024, particularly when talking about Grand Slam champions. This is due to the remarkable conclusion of the previous season, where he achieved a groundbreaking ATP 1000 title in Toronto, defeated top-notch players, and played a pivotal role in Italy’s triumph in the Davis Cup.
These accomplishments have fueled the belief that he would continue to excel in the current season. True to expectations, Sinner has already proven himself in the first major tournament of the year. Throughout this two-week event, he has displayed an enhanced level of confidence, indicating that this might be his moment to shine. Notably, he remained undefeated until his encounter with Djokovic, having not dropped a single set.
The Italian player provided an answer to the lingering question of why the younger generation couldn’t defeat Djokovic in Melbourne by eliminating him from the tournament. After accomplishing that, Sinner faced the task of following up his impressive victory with another against Medvedev.
Despite defeating Djokovic, Sinner remained aware that his job was not yet complete. He displayed mental strength by refusing to accept defeat, even when in a precarious position, and maintained confidence in his strong groundstrokes.
As Medvedev’s endurance waned, Sinner elevated his game, displaying enhanced speed and precision in his returns, unleashing an impressive tally of 28 winners during the last two sets.
Reflecting on the match, Sinner acknowledged the rapid pace of the first two sets, with a significant Italian presence supporting him on Rod Laver Arena.
Despite facing slim odds, he tenaciously sought out every opportunity, ultimately seizing the moment to break Medvedev’s serve and gradually secure victory, focusing on one set and one game at a time.
Medvedev, the marathon man, exhausts his energy.
Numerous players who have competed in a Grand Slam final have emphasized the stark contrast of the occasion, especially for those experiencing it for the first time, which can be quite overwhelming.
Medvedev, who secured his only major victory at the 2021 US Open, relied on his extensive experience in such high-pressure situations to gain an advantage over Sinner.
Although Sinner seemed unaffected by nerves, Medvedev effectively stifled him with an aggressive approach during the initial two sets, showcasing a shrewd strategy.
Ultimately, the turning point in Medvedev’s success can be attributed to his endurance and, perhaps, some lingering mental scars from his previous defeat against Nadal on the same grand stage.
Medvedev’s time on court during the Melbourne fortnight exceeded that of his younger opponent by nearly six hours.
Throughout the tournament, he endured three grueling five-set matches and twice made remarkable comebacks from being two sets down, notably in the semi-final against German sixth seed Alexander Zverev.
In a thrilling final, Medvedev’s fifth five-setter, he surpassed the previous record for the most time spent on court at a single Grand Slam tournament. The previous record was held by Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, who spent 23 hours and 39 minutes on court during his victorious 2022 US Open campaign.
Before the final, Medvedev acknowledged Sinner’s physical advantage and understood the importance of starting strong to increase his chances of success.
However, as the match progressed, Medvedev struggled to maintain the power and precision of his groundstrokes, visibly fatigued while Sinner fought back.
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