Sinner: my second Australian Open title win is different

The morning after securing his second consecutive Australian Open title, Jannik Sinner took the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup to nearby Albert Park Lake, where he revealed Monday how he views this triumph differently to his success Down Under last year.

“The first one is more kind of relief. It’s different. It gives you the [knowledge] that you can do it if you play some great tennis,” Sinner told the assembled media. “The second one, this one, maybe you enjoy it a bit more because it’s different. But every Grand Slam, or every tournament you win, or you go far, it has its own story. You have to pass difficulties, like I did also this year here, and this makes it very, very special.”

The No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has captured three of the past five Grand Slam championships and on Sunday became the first man since Rafael Nadal at 2006 Roland Garros to successfully defend his maiden major victory.

“It means so much to me,” Sinner said. “It’s a lot of work we we put behind this one. It means a lot to have this one now two times with me, and the support has been amazing from the start of the tournament.”

The night did not end when Sinner lifted the trophy inside Rod Laver Arena. After speaking with the media and broadcasters from around the world, the champion was happy to gather with those closest to him.

“We had a nice dinner with all the team, and then also my brother was here and [we were] just having a great time together, which is exactly what we needed,” Sinner said. “It was nice to close [the event] with just with us. It was a very, very nice evening.”

Sinner explained that he is departing Australia on Monday evening. As the 23-year-old embarks on the rest of his season, the Italian will take with him valuable memories, especially thanks to the support he received.

“The crowd has been amazing from the beginning of the of the tournament, honestly,” Sinner said. “Also the week of preparation, I got a lot of support. That’s maybe what means the most to me.”