“The tournament is not over” – historic victory for Sinner does not distract from bigger picture

The Italian knocked out Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals of the Australian Open 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 to reach his first Grand Slam final

Zuma / Panoramic

Lucas Morlier

January 26, 2024

Australian Open •Semi-final • completed

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N. DjokovicvsJ. Sinner

It is the greatest achievement of his young career and he confirmed as such with his first words in his post-match press conference.

Jannik Sinner knocked out Novak Djokovic, who had never lost a semi-final at the Australian Open. In reality, the Italian outclassed the world No 1.

It was Sinner’s third win in his last four matches against Djokovic. But this one is undoubtedly the most significant. Across the best-of-five format, the Serb seemed invincible in Melbourne, yet he did not generate a single break point against the Italian (a first for the Serb in a completed Grand Slam match).

Because of this, some in the press room were surprised not to have seen the Italian celebrate more after his winning match point.

“I feel like these kinds of emotions are out of control,” Sinner said.

“If someone celebrates in a certain way, you celebrate because that’s the emotion you’re feeling right now, right?

“Obviously, it means a lot to me to beat Novak here in Melbourne, but on the other hand, I know the tournament is not over.

“On Sunday, it’s the final. The emotions are different, because the final is always different. It doesn’t matter how big the tournament is. That’s not how you win the tournament. So I’m looking forward to Sunday and seeing what’s in store for us.”

patience is sinner’s greatest quality

Since the end of 2023, Sinner has shown steady progress – a first Masters 1000 title, a first Grand Slam semi-final, a first victory against Djokovic, a Davis Cup title. These were all perfect stepping stones on the way to reaching a maiden Grand Slam final.

If Carlos Alcaraz exploded faster than him Daren Cahill’s protégé highlights the patience he has shown since the beginning of his career. This was rewarded on Friday.

Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2024 — Action Plus / Panoramic

“Patience can be your biggest enemy in a way, because if you’re not patient, you rush, and you maybe forget some of the steps you should take to become a better player, to become better physically. I feel like what we’re seeing today from my side is the result of a whole year of work and the process we’ve put in place to become the best version of who I am today,” the 22-year-old explained.

He then conceded that he still had a lot to learn.

“I still know that I can improve a lot of things. So my journey is not over yet.”

His journey in Melbourne this year will culminate in a meeting with world No 3 Daniil Medvedev as he attempts to win the biggest title of his young career.