Jannik Sinner survived an early breakaway by Daniil Medvedev before reeling in the world No. 3 to earn an historic 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory in Sunday’s Australian Open final.
The first italian man to win the Melbourne title said he had to quickly change course after dropping the first two sets to an opponent playing his third final here.
“Daniil is an incredible player, and an incredible fighter,” the 22-year-old winner said, “He spent so many hours on court.
“I was expecting something different from his side, (but) I had this feeling that he might come out a little bit more aggressive – but not this aggressive.
“He played really, really well for the first two-and-a-half sets. I tried just to play even level, trying to take a couple of chances in the third set, which I’ve done.
“I just tried to stay as long in the court as possible.”
Sinner, six years younger than his opponent, was counting on his own fitness to see him through the comeback effort which kicked off in the third set.
“The more the match goes on, maybe physically I’m a little bit better today, because he played so many hours. I think that today that was the key.”
Sinner said he is still coming to grips with his accomplishment.
“I still have to process it.. beating Novak (Djokovic) in the semis and then today Daniil in the final, they are tough players to beat.
“It’s a great moment for me and my team, but we also know that we have to improve if we want to have another chance to hold a big trophy again.
“This is all, the process and the hard work will always pay off.”
