After winning his maiden Grand Slam at 2024 Australian Open, Jannik Sinner has explained why Roger Federer always remained his biggest inspiration growing up although he confessed that it was a split between Swiss Maestro and Spaniard Rafael Nadal.
The Italian became the 9th youngest champion in Melbourne Park after overcoming 2021 US Open Champion Daniil Medvedev in the 5-setss on Rod Laver Arena.
Trailed by two sets to love, Sinner was able to weather the storm as he came from behind to register a 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win in 3 hours and 44 minutes to shock many who feared who were expecting the worst for Italian into the middle of the third set.
After being crowned as the youngest champion Down Under, the 22-year-old, who was having a customary photoshoot at the Melbourne Botanical Gardens, was joined by Nicholas Pashulya, a member of the Hot Shot Tennis academy in Victoria’s capital.
An inspired youngster quizzed the World No. 4 about his idols growing up and he replied: “When I was younger, I think the biggest inspiration was always Roger Federer because of the way he behaves on the courts, the way he treats people off the court.
“I would say the mix of him and Rafa because, you know, also the fighting spirit of Rafa. Yeah, they are great sportsmen. But there are so many.”
It is not the first occasion where the sensational Italian has hailed 20-time Grand Slam winner Federer as his hero as talked made a mention of his idol as recently as November 2023, after guiding Italy to their first Davis Cup title since 1976. Sinner expressed his regret for not being able to face the former ATP #1 on tour.
“It has always been Roger Federer. I dreamed of playing with him but unfortunately it never happened,” he said while talking to Italian daily Libero Quotidiano.
“Who knows if one day we will be able to do a performance together. I’d really like to. He is a very good person as well as being a great champion.”
While talking to Pashulya, Sinner also offered the youngster some piece of advice.
“The most important thing is just to try throughout your whole journey,” he said. “Surround yourself with the most beautiful people you can find and just take it with a smile. Then you have won already, the result doesn’t matter.”
And Sinner’s comment about “surrounding yourself with beautiful people” seems very legit and open, given the fact how special bond he shares with his family and team.
In his post-final comments about his parents during his on-court interview, the Italian hailed them as the “perfect” as he also lauding his brother Marc.
“They always gave me, they never put pressure on myself, which for me is maybe the key why I’m here today,” he said.
“They are the perfect parents. Obviously I know only them (smiling) but they are awesome. And also my brother, he brings me honesty throughout the whole career I’m going through.”