Jannik Sinner says he did not celebrate wildly into the night after winning his first Grand Slam singles title at Australian Open 2024.
But as he and his team enjoyed a late dinner together and he woke up on Monday morning as the sport’s newest major champion, the enormity of the achievement was beginning to sink in.
"There were obviously many emotions in my head (straight after match point); the hard work, the sacrifices I've done throughout my career, and sharing this moment with my team was maybe the best feeling I've had until now,” Sinner told media at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens.
“It's great emotions. I was just happy; yesterday I still maybe couldn't believe, and now I start to realise it, so it's a great feeling.
"It's nice to be here, the weather is good. I didn't sleep much, but it's great emotions, slowly realising what I've done.
“It's a great achievement for me and my team, so really happy to be here.”
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Sinner’s fortnight grew progressively more intense and compelling as the tournament unfolded.
After four clinical straight-sets wins to reach the quarterfinals, he survived a tough encounter with Andrey Rublev, recovering from 5-1 down in the second set tiebreak to escape with another – albeit tighter – straight sets win.
Then came his stunning performance against Novak Djokovic, where he handed the 10-time champion his first-ever loss in 10 semifinals while also snapping the world No.1’s 33-match AO winning streak.
There was no letdown in his first major final, during which he rebounded from two-sets-to-love down to overcome three-time AO finalist Daniil Medvedev.
His form in late 2023 foreshadowed this breakthrough, but despite his confidence, the process-driven Sinner remained in the present as he worked his way through the draw at Melbourne Park.
"In the beginning of a season, you never know what's coming, and what's happening. But I felt quite prepared and ready to do well here,” the 22-year-old said.
“Obviously winning the tournament is something unbelievable but I just tried to take day after day ... and trying to be ready for the biggest challenges and playing against the best players in the world.
“I'm really happy how I performed here.”
As for what’s next, Sinner remained typically understated.
When asked, he made clear he was not targeting Djokovic’s record haul of 10 Australian Open men’s singles titles.
Instead, he believes the most important thing for him, when returning to Melbourne Park in 2025, was to do so playing good tennis while feeling happy and healthy.
"Honestly I don't think about (matching Novak's 10 titles). He's (in a) different league,” Sinner said.
“I'm just happy that I have this trophy for this year, and then we'll see what's coming.
“There is still a lot of work to do, but I will enjoy my process and then we'll see what I can achieve in the future.”