By Jonathan JurejkoBBC Sport at Melbourne Park28 January 2024, 12:38 GMTUpdated 21 minutes agoImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Jannik Sinner is the youngest player to win the Australian Open men’s title since Novak Djokovic in 2008Jannik Sinner achieved his long-awaited Grand Slam victory in an impressive fightback to defeat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final. The 22-year-old from Italy came from two sets down to win 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in his first major final. Initially struggling to keep up with the pace of the Russian, Sinner asserted himself as the match progressed. This marked another heartbreak for Medvedev, who previously lost a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final. The victory ensured a first-time champion in Melbourne after Sinner eliminated 10-time winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. With an epic match that lasted nearly four hours, Sinner fulfilled the potential that many believed would lead to a Grand Slam triumph. “It feels great. I just have to process it, I guess, how it feels the first time,” Sinner told Australia’s Channel Nine. “It has been a hell of a journey even if I’m still only 22.” Third seed Medvedev, 27, suffered his fifth defeat in six major finals, including losses to Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal in 2022 at Melbourne Park. Sinner clinched victory with a forehand winner down the line, falling to the ground in celebration. Medvedev, while disheartened, managed to give a thumbs-up to the crowd when they applauded his efforts. “It hurts to lose in the final but probably being in the final is better than losing before,” said Medvedev, who set a record for the most time spent on court at a Grand Slam tournament with 24 hours and 17 minutes. “I always want to win and I guess I have to try harder next time.”Sinner goes into 2024 in top formImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Sinner won the first Australian Open men’s final since 2005 which did not feature Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Novak DjokovicSinner had a breakout end to the previous season with an ATP 1000 title in Toronto, notable victories against top players, and leading Italy to Davis Cup victory, making him a strong contender for greater achievements in 2024. Throughout the tournament, Sinner displayed a newfound confidence and did not drop a set until facing Djokovic. Defeating Djokovic answered the question of whether the younger generation could surpass the Serb in Melbourne. Following this, Sinner’s next challenge was to secure another victory against Medvedev. Refusing to accept defeat, he continued to trust in his powerful groundstrokes, demonstrating his mental fortitude. With Medvedev’s stamina diminishing, Sinner intensified the pace and accuracy of his returns, delivering 28 winners in the final two sets. “The match was going so fast in the first two sets,” said Sinner, who was supported by a large Italian contingent on Rod Laver Arena. “I had zero chance to play at this level but I was looking for just the small chances. I managed to break him and then win one set at a time, one game at a time.”Medvedev’s endurance faltersImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Medvedev is the first player to lose two Grand Slam finals after winning the opening two setsMany seasoned players have spoken about the difference in the atmosphere of a Grand Slam final, particularly for first-time finalists, and how overwhelming it can be. Medvedev, who claimed his sole major triumph at the 2021 US Open, relied on his experience in these situations. Although Sinner did not appear to be affected by nerves, Medvedev employed an aggressive approach in the first two sets, proving to be a successful strategy. Ultimately, the shift in momentum boiled down to endurance – and perhaps some mental scars from the defeat by Nadal on the same stage. Medvedev, having spent almost six hours more on court over the Melbourne fortnight than his younger opponent, had to outlast his opponents in five-set matches three times and fought back from two sets down twice. Another five-set match on Sunday meant Medvedev surpassed the previous record for time spent on court at a single Grand Slam tournament. Before the final, he acknowledged Sinner’s physical advantage and knew he had to make a fast start to maximize his chances. However, he was unable to sustain the intensity and depth of his groundstrokes and appeared increasingly fatigued as Sinner mounted his comeback.
