- By Jonathan Jureko
- BBC Sport at Melbourne Park
image source, Good pictures
Janic Sinner is the youngest player to win the Australian Open title since Novak Djokovic in 2008.
Janic Sinner won the Grand Slam title with an extraordinary fightback over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final.
Italy's Sinner, 22, was two sets down before coming back to win his first major final 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3.
Fourth-seeded Sinner was initially unable to cope with the pace of the Russians and imposed himself as the match wore on.
It was another bittersweet experience for Medvedev, who has a two-set lead against Rafael Nadal in the 2022 final.
Sinner defeated 10-time champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals to seal his maiden title in Melbourne.
After an epic match that lasted nearly four hours, Sinner ensured his name would go on the trophy – fulfilling a feat many predicted would lead to a Grand Slam victory.
Third-seeded Medvedev has lost five of his six major finals, including back-to-back finals against Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal at Melbourne Park in 2022.
Sinner clinched the victory with a forehand winner, falling on his back on the baseline in celebration.
Medvedev wandered around the net to offer his congratulations, before Sinner let his heart beat on his way to celebrate with his team.
He looked restless as he sat in his chair and tried to process the defeat, and the crowd applauded as Medvedev applauded his efforts.
“Losing a final hurts, but being in a final is better than losing before,” Medvedev said.
“I always want to win, and next time I think I have to try harder.”
Marathoner Medvedev runs out of steam
Many players who have experienced a Grand Slam final have spoken about how different and overwhelming the occasion can be, especially if it is the first time.
Medvedev, whose only major win came at the 2021 US Open, believed his superior experience in these conditions would tell against Sinner.
Although Sin was not affected by nerves, Medvedev was stymied by his attacking approach in the opening two sets.
In the end, his defeat boiled down to endurance — and some mental scars from Nadal's defeat on the same stage.
Medvedev spent almost six hours more on court in the Melbourne fortnight than his younger opponent.
Three times he outlasted his opponents in five-set matches, including a remarkable semi-final against German sixth seed Alexander Zverev.
Before the final, Medvedev spoke of Sinner's fitness and knew he needed to start fast to increase his chances.
That's what he managed.
However, he couldn't keep up with the pace and ferocity of his ground and Sinner looked increasingly tired as he battled back.
