Jannik Sinner feels the belief of the new generation of ATP stars is starting to show after the Italian reached the 2024 Australian Open final.
Sinner blew reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic away with a four-set win at Melbourne Park in the semi-final. Following the victory, 22-year-old Sinner became the youngest men's Australian Open finalist since 2008 - when Djokovic reached his first final in 2008.
The victory was not only a massive achievement for Sinner, but it was also symbolic of the future of men's tennis, with the Italian, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune emerging as the next bright stars.
After his semi-final win, Sinner explained some of the qualities and mentality that set the new generation apart from the pack.
"I think, first of all, we are a little bit me, Carlos, and Holger, every one of us is a different player. I feel like that also mentally everyone is different, and attitude on the court is different."
"But that what I think we have in common is we believe in ourselves in one way, and this helps a lot because in tennis when you believe it's a huge amount already."
However, the Italian player believes that he still has plenty more to learn from some of the ATP greats like Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Sinner said that he has been picking up tips and watching some of the world's best recently, which has helped his game, and this is something he will continue to do moving forward.
"But I think we have to be really lucky to see him around, that we can see what he's doing, how he's practicing. Hopefully Rafa is coming back so I can see also him. I had the privilege to watch him when I was in Adelaide with him. Roger unfortunately I have never had the chance to, but it is what it is."
"In another way, I feel like talking about my part is that I always try to learn from them and then trying to get something from them, no? This has been always my part of the process, and the process we are making is not finished yet, because I feel like that we still have to improve a lot."