Jannik Sinner wins over Australian Open crowd with two word answer

Jannik Sinner ended Novak Djokovic’s insane Australian Open streak but it was his post-match interview that won over the crowd.

A humble response from world No. 4 Jannik Sinner has won over the Aussie crowd after stunning Novak Djokovic in an Australian Open semi-final boilover on Friday afternoon.

Djokovic had never lost at the semi-final or final stage of an Australian Open but Sinner gave him a taste of his own medicine in a 6-1 6-2 6-7 6-3 stunner.

Treating Djokovic like has so many others in his record 24 grand slam career, Sinner gave the Serbian absolutely nothing.

For the first time in his grand slam career — and second over all — not only did Djokovic not convert a break, but he didn’t even get a break point as Sinner silenced the world No. 1’s fans.

Even though there was a hint of a comeback when Djokovic won the third set tie-break, Sinner bounced straight back and made history — ensuring the first Australian Open since 2005 without Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal or Djokovic participating.

Sinner also became the first Italian — men’s or women’s — to make the final of the Australian Open, and would be come just the fifth person from his nation to win a grand slam if he claims the result on Sunday.

But the result shouldn’t have been too much of a surprise as Sinner had claimed two of the last three matches between the players leading into the match — which now makes it three from four.

Jannik Sinner has done it. Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP

Speaking at the match in front of a pro-Djokovic crowd, Jim Courier got a mixed response when he brought up the record.

Asked what it is about his game that makes it so difficult for Djokovic, Sinner laughed.

“I don’t know — ask him,” the new Australian Open finalist said to laughing from the audience.

“I think we play really similar and first of all, you have to try and return as many balls as possible. He is such an incredible server so I try to guess sometimes a little bit also.

“Just trying to push. I tried to move him around a little bit — I’m not going to tell you the tactics because I have the feeling, or I hope that I might play him in a couple of different matches.

“It’s a pleasure to be here — they call it the happy slam for a reason.”

Jannik Sinner did the unthinkable. Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP

Courier said it was funny he used the words “ask him” because his coach had asked Djokovic after the first time they played about areas of improvement for Sinner.

“This story is true,” Sinner said. “I had the chance already when I was younger, 16 or 17, to practice with him in Monaco. And I think from there the process of trying to learn from the best players in the world started.

“Then obviously the match is different. He told me after the match he tried to move the ball a little bit more, trying to be unpredictable.

“So we are trying to do that. The serve has improved a lot but still I have the feeling I can still improve a lot and that’s why I have a great team behind me and we’ll keep pushing.”

Italian male players to reach Grand Slam finals in singles:

4 Nicola Pietrangeli (Roland-Garros 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964)
1 Giorgio de Stefani (Roland-Garros 1932)
1 Adriano Panatta (Roland-Garros 1976)
1 Matteo Berrettini (Wimbledon 2021)
1 Jannik Sinner (Australian Open 2024)

— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) January 26, 2024

Jack Sinner is playing god-level tennis….. simply out of this world. It’s the only level you can beat Djokovic with! #AusOpen

— Udeme (@ud_phil) January 26, 2024

Jannik Sinner didn't face a break point against Novak Djokovic today. In an Australian Open semifinal. Remarkable. And quite a way to move into your first major final.

— Chris Oddo (@TheFanChild) January 26, 2024

Make that 22-2. Sinner accomplishing the near impossible!! #AO24https://t.co/CH5KqEvpQi

— Josh © (@JoshCarreiro) January 26, 2024

Respect. Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP

Djokovic himself also paid tribute to Sinner for his performance, saying he “outplayed me completely today”.

Asked specifically about what has changed in Sinner’s game, Djokovic said he had always been a strong striker but that his serve had improved.

“He’s hitting his corners very well, and I think he upped his speed as well,” Djokovic said.

“Serving bigger now and more precise. Movement overall and mental part. You know, he was always very calm, very composed in the court, but I think he struggled maybe to win the big matches, you know, in the big moments.

“But now it’s coming together for him. Of course Darren Cahill, who is very experienced coach and someone that has worked with former No. 1s in the world, obviously having him in his corner is very helpful from the mental side of things, of course, along with

everything else.

“He’s got a great team, he’s on a very good path.

“He’s going to have a chance in couple days to win his first Grand Slam.”