Australian Open exclusive: Jannik Sinner on ‘amazing’ victory over Novak Djokovic and feeling ‘really shaky’

Jannik Sinner admits he passed a new mental and physical test by overcoming Novak Djokovic in a landmark Australian Open semi-final victory.

“It feels amazing. It was a tough match; I knew that already entering the court,” he told Eurosport’s Barbara Schett after the match.

“I felt like I was hitting the ball great in the first two sets, and he was missing a lot. In the third set, the level was even; I had match point. But that’s tennis, trying to reset as soon as possible and I felt like I served great today, and returning really well. The outcome makes me really happy.

“It was really shaky [serving for the match]. I wanted to play inside in, and then I played inside out. This happens. My legs [got heavy]. The first game of the fourth set was really important. I played really well and tried to keep pushing.

“I feel like Grand Slams are different mentally. This was a great test for me physically and I dug deep. The fourth set was really tough to go 4-1 up, knowing that was my last with the used balls. From 4-2, it was easier to serve with the new balls, but still, I’m really happy.

“I felt like it was a privilege to play against him last year, so many times in 10 days, and playing matches against these kinds of players is much better than only practice, and that’s really important.”

In his on-court interview, Sinner revealed how a practice session with Djokovic as a teenager in Monaco propelled him on this journey to a first Grand Slam final.

“I had the chance when I was younger – 16, 17 – to practise with him in Monaco,” he explained.

“The process of trying to learn from the best players in the world started. The match was different; he told me afterwards that he was trying to move the ball a bit more, and be unpredictable.

“The serve has improved a lot. I have the feeling that I can still improve a lot. I have a great team behind me and we’ll keep pushing.”

Sinner can briefly switch off and watch the second semi-final in comfort between two in-form players, and remains unfazed regarding who he could face.

“I will watch [the other semi-final]; I’m a huge tennis fan. It’s good to watch. I’m more relaxed now.

“They are incredible players; they’ve met so many times and it’s going to be interesting. Sascha is playing back at 100%; he’s playing great. Daniil too.

“It’s going to be a great match, and we’ll see what comes on Sunday.”