Jannik Sinner has claimed his long-promised Grand Slam title after an extraordinary fight to beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.
Italian Sinner (22 years old) fell behind by two sets before recovering to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in his first major final.
Sinner, ranked fourth, was initially unable to adapt to the Russian player's speed, but he imposed himself as the competition continued.
It was another bitter experience for Medvedev, who wasted a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final.
The champion was assured for the first time in Melbourne after Sinner ousted 10-time winner Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Sinner made sure to put his name on the trophy – fulfilling the talent that many expected would lead to a grand slam – after an epic match that lasted almost four hours.
“It's a great feeling. I just have to deal with it, I guess, how I feel the first time,” Sinner told Australia's Channel 9.
“It's been a hell of a ride even if I'm only 22.”
Third-seeded Medvedev (27 years old) has lost five of his six major finals, including his finals to Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal in 2022 at Melbourne Park.
Sinner clinched victory with a forehand down the line, falling on his back at the baseline in celebration.
Medvedev walked around the net to congratulate him before Sinner's heart sank as he made his way to celebrate with his team.
Medvedev appeared sad while trying to compensate for the loss while sitting in his chair, and he was able to express his admiration to the fans when they praised his efforts.
Medvedev, who set a record for the most time spent on the field in a major tournament with 24 hours and 17 minutes, said: “Losing in the final is painful, but perhaps reaching the final is better than losing before.”
“I always want to win and I think I have to try harder next time.”
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