Jannik Sinner has opened up after the world No 1 powered his way into the Australian Open final with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton on Friday.
The Italian, who won the title 12 months ago, was a class above as he set up a mouthwatering showdown with Alexander Zverev.
After winning a tight first set, Sinner didn’t look back with the 23-year-old dropping just four games from that moment on.
He will now chase a third Grand Slam title of his career on Sunday, with Zverev reaching the final following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal earlier in the day.
Jannik Sinner has opened up after the world No 1 powered his way into the Australian Open final with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton on Friday
REUTERS
Two years ago, Sinner changed his coaching team after crashing out of the Australian Open semi-finals.
And the Italian has now paid tribute to those working him with him behind the scenes, while also joking his physio and physical trainer would be ‘offended’ even if he didn’t give them a mention.
“Every coach I have been with, there is a huge amount of work that we have done,” he said.
“It was a tough moment to change, but I already made some big changes when I was 13-years-old and now I have an incredible team right there.
“They raised me as a different player. Every coach has their own department in which they are very good, and I have two very different coaches.
“Simone [Vagnozzi] is very tactical. He was ranked 161 when he was around 30 years old, so it’s a bit different!
“But he always said that his goal was always to be a coach, even when he played. I have to say he is a very good coach, he is an amazing coach.
“We leave each other now but it’s a great relationship because we are a team on the court and a family off the court, so it is amazing to have.
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“Darren [Cahill] is seeing out his last season as a coach this year, so I’m happy that we have another chance to fight for another title. The season is still on, but it means a lot to me to make it happen here.
“I don’t want to forget my physio and physical trainer because, if not, they get very offended!
“The whole team is so amazing. But the work still continues – I’m still 23 years old, so let’s see what is coming.”
Sinner also admitted that the first set against Shelton was a tough one, with the reigning champion pleased to emerge unscathed.
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Jannik Sinner was too strong for Ben Shelton as he powered his way into the Australian Open final
REUTERS
“It was a very tough first set but a very crucial one,” he continued.
“I felt like he wasn’t serving at his best today, the percentage wasn’t where he wanted it to be. I think we both actually returned better than we served.
“The first set is always very important, it gives you a lot of confidence and there was a lot of tension for both of us. I’m very happy with the way I handled the situation today.”
And Sinner also believes his clash with Zverev has the makings of a classic.
Jannik Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday
REUTERS
“It will be a very tough match. We had some tough matches in the past,” he said.
“Everything can happen. He is an incredible player, he is looking for his first major and there is going to be a lot of tension again. But I’m happy to put myself in this position once again.
“Sundays are always very special, especially in tournaments. I’m going to enjoy it.
“Thank you so much again for your support, hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”