Australian Open 2024: Jannik Sinner success signals start of new era of dominance, says Nick Kyrgios

Player-turned-pundit predicts era of the big three is coming to a close

Moments after Jannik Sinner had won a first Grand Slam title, player-turned-pundit Nick Kyrgios predicted a new era of dominance in the men’s game.

Having watched the Italian recover from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev and become the youngest male Australian Open winner for 16 years, Kyrgios predicted the era of the big three was coming to a close.

The Australian said: “This is going to be such a big leapfrog. Now he’s got this one, he’s going to be unstoppable.”

When Medvedev beat Novak Djokovic to win the US Open title in 2021, there were suggestions it was the beginning of the end for the Serbian great, but he has won four Grand Slams since.

Sinner is now only the second male Slam winner to have been born in the 21st century — the other Carlos Alcaraz — and neither seems weighed down by the pressure of tennis’s long-term triumvirate in Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Melbourne’s newest champion had been hinting success on the biggest stage was coming, falling just short of winning the ATP Tour Finals and then guiding Italy to Davis Cup glory.

Sinner is on the hunt for more success
AFP via Getty Images

Even in the wake of the biggest win of his career, Sinner did not give the impression of a player set to rest on his laurels.

“Having this trophy, it’s an amazing feeling,” he said. “I feel grateful, but I have to work even harder, because the opponents will find the way to beat me.

“It’s a great moment for me and my team but we have to improve to have another chance to hold a big trophy again.”

Darren Cahill, one of Sinner’s coaches, hinted the 22-year-old’s wins over Djokovic in the semi-final and then Medvedev suggested a turning point for the men’s game.

The Australian said: “What Jannik did was to show that this young generation are going to fight until the very end. Carlos is similar, with the excitement level they bring.”

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