“I like to dance in the pressure storm” – Big occasion no problem for Slam champion Sinner
In his first time on the biggest of stages, Jannik Sinner did not falter
Jannik Sinner with the Australian Open trophy (Zuma/Panoramic)
After winning his maiden Grand Slam title in his maiden Slam final, Jannik Sinner reflected on how he deals with pressure. Long tipped to win the biggest crowns, the 22-year-old is fulfilling his promise – and quoted a maxim made famous by Billie Jean King.
“Yeah, there is always pressure, but the pressure is something good,” he said in his post-match press conference. “You have to take it in a good way. It’s a privilege, no? Because there are not so many players who have this kind of pressure, but in the other way, when you have pressure, it’s always, okay, he believes that I can really do it.
“So yes, I like to dance in the pressure storm. I don’t know how to tell. Like me personally, I like it, because that’s where most of the time I bring out my best tennis. I’m also quite relaxed in this occasion, because I always try to enjoy on the court.
“So I think pressure is a privilege, to be honest.”
Sinner: I have to be prepared
Sinner said that he was pleased if there was now even more expectation of him – and he would ramp up his work rate to continue to rack up the achivements.
“I feel it’s part of the game, no? Me, I’m extremely happy that I am in this position now. I have a great team behind me who knows what I have to do.”
He added: “So, you know, it’s all part of the process. Obviously having this trophy, it’s an amazing feeling. I feel grateful to have this here. But I know that I have to work even harder, because the opponents, they will find the way to beat me and I have to be prepared.
“Let’s see what’s coming in the future.”
