Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner shows character in dramatic comeback to win his maiden Grand Slam

Published at :January 28, 2024 at 7:56 PM

Modified at :January 28, 2024 at 7:56 PM

(Courtesy : X/ATP Tour)

Jannik Sinner became the second 21st-century player after Carlos Alcaraz to clinch Grand Slam in men’s singles category

In a remarkable display of resilience and courage, Jannik Sinner returned from the brink of defeat to claim his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2024 on Sunday.

The 22-year-old Italian, who had never played a major final before, overcame a two-set deficit to beat Daniil Medvedev 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in a thrilling encounter that lasted three hours and 44 minutes.

Sinner, who had stunned 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, was outplayed by the third-seeded Russian in the first two sets, as Medvedev used his powerful serve and aggressive strokes to dictate the play.

But the fourth seed refused to give in and slowly found his groove and confidence, breaking Medvedev’s serve four times in the next three sets and hitting 49 winners to 38 unforced errors.

In the first set, Medvedev took control early, breaking Sinner’s serve and winning 84% of points on his first delivery. He continued his aggressive play in the second set, hitting 23 winners and leading 5-1 before Sinner fought back to 5-3.

Despite a breakpoint, Medvedev held his serve to extend his lead. In the third set, Sinner held serve early and started pushing Medvedev back, breaking his serve to gain a foothold. The fourth set saw Sinner dictating the game, forcing Medvedev back and striking 15 winners to force a decider. In the final set, Sinner continued his aggressive play, breaking Medvedev’s serve in the eighth game and closing out on serve to secure the biggest win of his career.

Indian Sports Live Coverage on Khel Now

After losing the first two sets since Gaston Gaudio at the 2004 French Open, Sinner became the first man to win a Grand Slam title. He also became the third Italian man to win a major, after Adriano Panatta and Matteo Berrettini, and the second player born in the 2000s to do so, after Carlos Alcaraz at the 2023 US Open.

Sinner, who rose to number three in the world rankings with his victory, said he was speechless after achieving his childhood dream.

Medvedev, who had won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open, suffered his fifth defeat in six major finals. He also lost the 2022 Australian Open final to Rafael Nadal after leading by two sets.

The 26-year-old Russian, who had spent almost six hours more on court than Sinner throughout the tournament, praised his opponent for his incredible performance and said he would try harder next time..

Jannik Sinner became the youngest Australian Open champion in 16 years after a stunning comeback from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling final on Sunday.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram