Jannik Sinner shed light on his post-Australian Open schedule, which was hardly eventful because of how much he wanted to remain in shape.
Sinner won his first Grand Slam last month in Melbourne, beating defending champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinal and then storming back from two sets down to overcome an inspired Daniil Medvedev in the final. He became the first Italian in history to win the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old was given the honor of meeting Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and the president, Sergio Mattarella, and other dignitaries when he returned home. Sinne basked in glory in the company of his Davis Cup teammates during the presidential ceremony.
Winning a Grand Slam can completely change a tennis player's career. Aside from garnering a massive paycheck, the media and fan scrutiny instantly rockets.
Sinner has already witnessed a surge in social media following just days after lifting the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. Additionally, sponsors come knocking, too, each with their most lucrative perks.
"You get a little more attention, especially in Italy. When I arrived after Melbourne there were a lot of people. It was something new to experience for me."
Players who win Grand Slam tournaments also prefer taking some time away from the sport for at least three to four weeks to spend it with their loved ones and revel in the moment.
For Sinner, it has been a relatively short period of respite and celebration. He is back in competition at this week's Rotterdam Open, where he is top-billing and won his second-round match on Wednesday night.
In an interview with Nederlandse Omroep Stichting, Sinner revealed that his ''top priority" was training even after he won the Australian Open. He also added that he turned down "many things" so that he could focus on his tennis.
"You have a great moment and you thank everyone. But on the other hand, you have to train again and start from scratch again. Now here is a new tournament and I hope I can play good tennis."
"I said 'no' to many things because returning to training was the top priority. I took a few days off and then I went back to training, that's the most important thing."