Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner’s rise from promising skier to Grand Slam finalist

In his post-match news conference, Sinner was questioned about his modest reaction after ousting Djokovic – but the Italian simply does not believe he has anything to celebrate just yet.

“Obviously it means so much to me to beat Novak here in Melbourne. But in another way, I know that the tournament is not over,” Sinner explained.

“Sunday is a final. It’s different emotions because the final is always different. It doesn’t really matter how big the tournament is.

“In my mind, today I knew it was a semi-final. It’s not that you win the tournament like this. So I’m looking forward for Sunday, and let’s see what’s coming.”

A first-time Australian Open champion is guaranteed this year, with Sinner set to face two-time runner-up Daniil Medvedev after the Russian third seed came back from two sets down to defeat Alexander Zverev.

While Sinner lost his first six matches against 2021 US Open champion Medvedev, he has since won the last three – with each of those victories coming since October.

Regardless of the outcome of Sunday’s final, Sinner hopes the victory over Djokovic will contribute to a growing belief among the new generation of men’s players aiming to replace the era-defining trio of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

“What I think we have in common is we believe in ourselves and this helps a lot because in tennis, when you believe, it’s a huge amount already,” Sinner said.

“I’m really relaxed, to be honest. I just try to work as hard as possible and in my mind I feel like the hard work always pays off in one way.

“We are working really hard for our dreams.”