- By Jonathan Jurejko
- BBC Sport at Melbourne Park
January 28, 2024, 12:38 GMT
Updated 37 minutes ago
Image source: Getty Images
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Jannik Sinner is the youngest player to win the Australian Open men's title since Novak Djokovic in 2008
Jannik Sinner won the Grand Slam title he had long hoped for with an extraordinary comeback by defeating Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.
The 22-year-old Italian Sinner was two sets down before recovering to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 in his first major final.
Sinner, who came in fourth, was initially unable to keep up with the Russian's pace, but prevailed over the course of the competition.
It was another bitter experience for Medvedev, who also blew a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final.
A first-time champion in Melbourne was guaranteed after Sinner knocked out 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.
Sinner ensured his name is on the trophy – fulfilling the talent that many predicted would lead to a Grand Slam triumph – after an epic match that lasted almost four hours.
Third seed Medvedev has lost five of his six major finals, including back-to-back finals against Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal in 2022 at Melbourne Park.
Sinner secured the win with a forehand down the line and fell on his back at the baseline in celebration.
Medvedev stalked around the net to offer his congratulations before Sinner headed off to celebrate with his team.
As he sat in his chair trying to process the defeat, Medvedev appeared heartbroken and managed to give the crowd a thumbs up as they applauded his efforts.
“It hurts to lose in the final, but probably being in the final is better than losing before,” Medvedev said.
“I always want to win and I think I’ll have to try harder next time.”
Marathon man Medvedev is running out of breath
So many players with the experience of a Grand Slam final have spoken about how different the occasion can be, especially if it's the first time, and potentially overwhelming.
Medvedev, whose only major triumph came at the 2021 US Open, hoped that his greater experience in these situations would be decisive against Sinner.
Although Sinner didn't seem nervous, Medvedev simply suffocated him with an attacking approach in the first two sets, which proved to be a smart strategy.
Ultimately, his defeat came down to perseverance – and possibly some mental scars from losing to Nadal on the same stage.
Medvedev had spent almost six hours more on the pitch in the two weeks in Melbourne than his younger opponent.
Three times he was forced to overtake his opponents in five-set matches and twice fought back from two sets down, including a remarkable semi-final against Germany's sixth seed Alexander Zverev.
Before the final, Medvedev spoke of Sinner having a physical advantage and knew he had to get off to a quick start to maximize his chances.
That's exactly what he managed to do.
However, he was unable to maintain the pace and ferocity of his groundstrokes and appeared increasingly tired as Sinner struggled.