Jannik Sinner won a first Grand Slam title epically, coming back from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in a remarkable men’s singles final in Melbourne.
Medvedev, beaten twice before in the final on Rod Laver Arena – including a five-setter to Rafa Nadal in 2022 – became the first men’s player in history to lose two Grand Slam finals when two sets up.
Congratulations @DaniilMedwed on a remarkable #AO2024 đź’™
Always fierce on court. Entertaining post-match. Humble in victory. And gracious in defeat.
We’ll see you next year, Daniil đź‘‹#AusOpen pic.twitter.com/49avZ38u4f
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 28, 2024
It’s his fifth defeat in six major finals, while it also means Medvedev’s record at a hard court slam is now 50-2 after winning the opening set, with his only losses those two five-set defeats in the final.
Medvedev said following the defeat: “It’s three finals in a row, but congratulations Jannik, you deserved it.
“I’m going to try to make it next time. I want to thank everyone.”
Sinner, meanwhile, paid credit to his opponent, saying: “Daniil, congrats to you and your team. You always make me a much, much better player. I hope you can lift this trophy and wish you the best for the rest of the season.”
In the first Australian Open final not to feature one of Nadal, Novak Djokovic or Roger Federer since 2005, Sinner had no answer for Medvedev’s aggression early on as, despite his gruelling 20 hours and 33 minutes spent on court in reaching the final, the Russian showed zero signs of fatigue.
