- The Italian tennis player started the year on a high note
- He defeated Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev in the finals
- He is now a tennis fans’ favourite
Jannik Sinner role model will always be retired tennis star Roger Federer and not Novak Djokovic who he gets along well with.
The Italian tennis player started the year on a high note by winning his first grand slam at the Australian Open. He entered the race with the hope of making a major move this year in Melbourne and he did.
He is now a tennis fans’ favourite and he is enjoying the space at the top as the world No. 4.
Who is Jannik Sinner Role Model?
Sinner expressed his gratitude by posing for the customary photo session with his Australian Open trophy at Melbourne’s Botanical Gardens.
He said that his Melbourne victory brought so many questions on who between Federer and Djokovic is his role model.
The two players have shaped the tennis careers of many players especially the Sinner’s generation and they look up to them so much more than anyone can imagine.
Roger Federer at the 2023 Laver Cup. Jannik Sinner describes him as his role model because he is ‘simple’ and calm yet so successful. Photo/Eurosport
“My role model is always Federer,” Sinner answered adding that he barely thinks about Djokovic’s 25 grand slams.
The first-time Grand Slam champion opined that he is happy that he is following in the steps of Federer who is very ‘simple’. His demeanour back in the day as an active tennis player fascinated him so much and he only hoped he would be like him.
“But I can say that I am happy to be part of the new generation, because I am what sport needs. My role model has always been Federer, not only for his class but for the way he presents himself: the important thing is to surround yourself with the best people and face everything with a smile,” he added.
Federer retired in 2022 after the Davis Cup citing his longstanding battle with injuries and need for time to be with his family more.
He had been out of play for a year while recovering from multiple foot surgeries. But at his age – then 42 – it was difficult for his injuries to recover fully in short time.
Why is Novak Djokovic Not a Role Model For Jannik Sinner?
The 2023 ATP Finals champion remarked that the Serbian started his tennis career during a different era and he deserves the success considering the work he puts in.
“I don’t think about it, he’s from another series,” Sinner stated adding that he is determined to deliver at the stage he in as a new-age tennis player.
“I still have a lot to give. For now I’m happy like this, to be able to hold this cup in my hand. I don’t know if we are facing a changing of the guard, it is difficult to predict what will happen in the future,” Sinner added.
Jannik Sinner with the Australian Open trophy. Photo/Fox Sports
How Did Jannik Sinner Win Australian Open 2024?
The 22-year-old beat Daniil Medvedev three sets to two in a mind-nabbing grand slam final. He became the first Italian tennis player to win a grand slam since 1976.
Medvedev posed an insurmountable challenge in the first two sets of the match but Sinner was all along keeping an eye on his weaknesses – fatigue.
He capitalized on it and overcame the Russian to win 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3. Looking back, he terms his success in the first major event of the year as important and crucial.
“It was an important success for me and for my career, for my team, but it doesn’t change anything about who I am. I’m a simple guy, I can’t wait to get back to work…I didn’t sleep much, but it’s nice to be here on this wonderful day, to celebrate this incredible milestone, achieved thanks to the help of my team.”
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