Tennis needs the next generation, says Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner
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Italy's Jannik Sinner posing with the Australian Open trophy.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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MELBOURNE - Jannik Sinner was not about to announce the end of the "Big Three" after his breakthrough Grand Slam triumph
His five-set victory over Daniil Medvedev on Jan 28 made him the first Melbourne Park winner in 10 years not named Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal or Roger Federer – the trio of multiple champions who have dominated tennis for two decades.
Djokovic's incredible success into his mid-thirties has delayed the decline of the "Big Three" but with Federer now retired and Nadal looking set to join him this year, a huge gap is opening up at the top of the game.
With his Melbourne triumph, Sinner has joined 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in the Grand Slam winners' club, spearheading a clutch of players of a similar age coming through.
"It's quite unpredictable what's coming in the future but still it's nice to be part of this generation," Sinner said as he was photographed with his trophy in Melbourne's Botanical Gardens on Jan 29.
"I think the next generation is something that this sport needs and it's also a little bit of a game-changer."
Sinner was the youngest Australian Open men's champion since Djokovic won the first of his 10 Melbourne Park titles in 2008 and even though he beat the 24-time Grand Slam champion in the semi-finals, the Italian was not inviting comparisons.
"He is a different league," he said. "I'm just happy I have this trophy for this year and then we see what's coming. There is still a lot of work to do but I will enjoy my process and then we see what I can achieve in the future."
As impressive as the clean hitting that has taken Sinner into the elite of men's tennis was his cool demeanour on court on Jan 28 as he withstood an early barrage from Medvedev before rallying from two sets down to clinch the title.
Although he fell to the Rod Laver Arena court after converting championship point, there was no huge outpouring of emotions as Sinner celebrated the biggest victory of his career.
"There were so many emotions in my head and the hard work and the sacrifices I've done throughout my career," he explained.
"Sharing this moment with my team was maybe the best feeling I've had until now.
"It's great emotions, I was just happy, yesterday I still maybe couldn't believe and now I'm starting to realise it, so it's a great feeling."
Sinner said he celebrated his dream start to the new season in understated fashion – a meal with his close-knit team in the early hours of Jan 29 morning – but said it would be straight back to work as he looked to build on his breakthrough.
He pointed to having Darren Cahill in his corner as a coach, with the Australian having been there and done that.
Cahill guided Lleyton Hewitt to become the second youngest player ranked world No. 1 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 already a number of times,” 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 the way to beat me and I have to be prepared.”
He is ready for what comes next, adding: “There is always pressure, but the pressure is something good. You have to take it in a good way. It’s a privilege, no?
“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 in this occasion, because I always try to enjoy being on the court.” AFP, REUTERS
