Jannik Sinner came back from behind to beat Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set Australian Open final on Sunday.
The match lasted over three and a half hours, with fourth seed Sinner beaten 6-3, 6-3 in the opening two sets.
His comeback, however, was one for the ages.
Russian third seed Medvedev suffered defeat to Rafael Nadal in similar fashion back in 2022. And this time, his six extra hours on the court prior to the final might have been the difference maker going into the final three sets.
The Italian gave absolutely everything on the occasion of his first ever Grand Slam final, fighting back to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.
Upon lifting the silverware, Sinner thanked his opponent and wished him well going forward.
“Daniil, congrats to you and your team. You always make me a much, much better player. I hope you can also lift this trophy and I wish you the best for the rest of the season,” the champion said.
The 22-year-old was the youngest player to win the Australian Open since Novak Djokovic in 2008 and the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
In the women’s singles final, Aryna Sabalenka overcame Zheng Qinwen 6-3, 6-2 to retain the title.
It was another dominant campaign for the world number two as she lifted her second Grand Slam singles trophy without dropping a single set.
Pictured above: Jannik Sinner
Image source: @olly_tennis_
