Jannik Sinner proves a popular yet unlikely Australian Open champion

He’s modelled for Gucci, has a deal with Ferrari and is dating an influencer. But the flame-haired mountain man’s backstory is as compelling as his game.

Italy's Jannik Sinner poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy at the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Jannik Sinner has become one of the most unique and unlikely Australian Open champions after flipping what felt like an insurmountable two sets to love lead to beat Russian Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller.

The 22-year-old becomes the youngest winner since the king of Melbourne, Novak Djokovic, won the title aged 20 in 2008, and also the first Italian to win a grand slam since Adriano Panatta in 1976.

Career trajectory

Sinner has been trending towards his first major, having been arguably the world’s in-form player the past few months. He defeated Medvedev in the final at the China Open in October, 2023 before following that up by beating the Russian again in the final in Vienna a few weeks later. Djokovic handed him a rare loss in the ATP World Tour finals, but those in the know won’t be surprised by his latest performance.

Jannik Sinner celebrates winning the Australian Open.

In his post match interview following the dramatic finish, Sinner was quick to thank his parents watching at home in Italy, saying of them he wishes every child would have the freedom to make their own decisions like they afforded him.

“Where my parents are it’s -20 degrees in the morning, so it’s nice running in the sun here,” he added.

At home in Innichen

Sinner is from Innichen, also known as San Candido — a tiny, German-speaking town situated below the mighty Rondoi-Baranci mountain range in the Dolomites in Italy’s far north, right on the Austrian border.

The market town has a population of less than 4,000, and offers some of the best skiing spots in the region. Sinner himself was an accomplished junior skier, winning a national championship in giant slalom when he was eight. He was also a representative footballer as well as tennis, only deciding to focus on the latter aged 13. 

Sinner turned professional at 16-years-old despite his highest junior ranking being no. 133. However, top level success came to the Italian quickly. He won his first ATP Challenger title at 17, before top 50 wins against Gael Monfils and Australia’s Alex de Minaur put him on the map.

Sinner’s hometown San Candido (Innichen) view with Baranci mountain in the Dolomites, Italy.

His aggressive baseline style has seen him draw comparisons to the man he defeated in the semi-finals Novak Djokovic, who also credits a skiing background for providing a strong tennis foundation.

It’s also fitting Sinner’s first major win came in Australia, with legendary Australian coach Darren ‘Killer’ Cahill making up half of his senior team.

Cahill works alongside former pro Simone Vagnozzi, with the pair taking out the ATP Coach of the Year award last year.

Sinner credited the Australian for the mental overhaul he needed to take his game to the next level.

“I’m talking in general, but I think the tactical part is more for Simone,” Sinner said after his coaches received the award. 

“The emotional part, talking in the right way before the match, giving confidence, not only to me but also to the team, is a little bit more Darren’s job.

“But I think the mix of both of them, it’s nice. You know, they have a lot of respect for each other. Nobody wants to go over one, so they are always on the same line.”

The majority of the 15,000 in attendance at Rod Laver Arena were supporting Sinner on Sunday evening.

Despite a seemingly shy demeanour, the Italian has a colourful off-court life. He has modelled for Gucci, has a partnership with Ferrari and is dating model and influencer Maria Braccini. 

He limits his social media footprint to largely tennis, but Sunday’s life-changing victory might drive the demand to know a little more about such an unlikely champion.