Tennis-Unflappable Sinner becomes a Grand Slam winner after thriving under pressure

Jannik Sinner, the first Italian to win the Australian Open, defeated Daniil Medvedev in the final on Sunday and said he was prepared for the pressure and expectations that come with being a Grand Slam champion. Sinner had to come from two sets down in the final but handled the pressure in his usual calm manner. He expressed his belief that pressure is a good thing and that it’s a privilege for him to have this kind of pressure because it shows that people believe in him.

Sinner remarked that the pressure helps him bring out his best tennis and that he is also relaxed as he always tries to enjoy being on the court. After ending last season as the hottest player on the ATP Tour and leading Italy to their first Davis Cup title in November, Sinner had been widely anticipated as a potential Grand Slam champion at Melbourne Park this year.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Sinner on social media, emphasizing that he made Italy proud by winning the Australian Open and described him as a true champion. Sinner himself expressed that representing Italy was the most important part of his triumph because having so much support from his country was amazing.

Sinner also spoke about the support he received from his parents, acknowledging that they never put any pressure on him. However, he felt ready for the attention and expectation that came with joining the Grand Slam winners’ club and expressed his gratitude for the amazing feeling of having the trophy.

Sinner also emphasized the need to work even harder to stay prepared for his opponents and to maintain his position as a Grand Slam champion. (Reporting by Nick Mulvenney, editing by Clare Fallon)