Jannik Sinner staged an impressive comeback in the 2024 Australian Open final, outlasting Daniil Medvedev in a gripping five-set match to secure his maiden Grand Slam title.
Jannik Sinner initially trailing by two sets, the Italian rallied to a 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory in three hours and 44 minutes.
After the final point, Sinner’s joy was palpable as he fell to the court before standing to relish his triumph in Rod Laver Arena. He displayed formidable play, serving 14 aces, striking 50 winners, and breaking Medvedev’s serve four times, making history as the first Italian champion of the tournament.
At 22, Sinner is the youngest Australian Open winner since Novak Djokovic in 2008 and the first Italian man to win a Slam since Adriano Panatta in 1976.
For Medvedev, ranked third globally, this loss marked his second Australian Open final defeat after leading by two sets, echoing his 2022 loss to Rafael Nadal.
Sinner commended Medvedev’s endurance, particularly his performance in this year’s Melbourne tournament, which included four five-set matches. He expressed admiration for Medvedev’s efforts and optimism for his future successes.
Medvedev acknowledged Sinner’s deserving victory, praising his tenacity and level of play.
In the run-up to the final, Medvedev spent significantly more time on court than Sinner, who dropped only one set. However, Medvedev began the match strong, unsettling Sinner and quickly breaking his serve twice in the first set.
Sinner faced challenges early in the second set but was broken again in the fourth game. Despite a brief resurgence, he couldn’t prevent Medvedev from securing a two-set lead.
The third set saw a shift, with Sinner breaking Medvedev in the decisive 10th game. The fourth set mirrored this momentum, with Sinner breaking in the 10th game to force a fifth set.
In the final set, Sinner’s crucial break in the sixth game paved the way for his historic victory.
