“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)

Carrie Dunn

January 28, 2024

Australian Open •Final • completed

See draw

J. SinnervsD. Medvedev

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.”