"We push each other" - Jannik Sinner on him & Carlos Alcaraz completing the Grand Slam sweep in 2024 after his US Open glory
Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz split the 2024 Grand Slams between them. Sinner won both hardcourt titles, the Australian Open, and the US Open, while Alcaraz won the French Open and Wimbledon Championship. The Italian believes that the emergence of new champions and the competitive nature of the new generation are beneficial for the sport.
Sinner won the 2024 US Open final against Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 on Sunday, September 8, at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The Italian became only the fourth man to win both hardcourt Grand Slam singles titles in the same season, following Mats Willander, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.
During a post-match interview, the World No. 1 was asked where tennis was headed with him and Alcaraz dominating Grand Slam events in 2024. He had a positive outlook and stated that the new generation pushes each other to improve.
“It’s nice to see for the sport to see some new champions. The new generation, we push each other, trying to improve. Then obviously there are a lot of players who we first have to beat to play against the best players in the world. There are a couple of upsets lately. Just trying to stay focused on my own path," Sinner said.
The 23-year-old further highlighted the significance of pressure in competitive play, asserting that the absence of pressure indicates 'something is missing.'
"It doesn’t matter what tournament you play in, the pressure is always gonna be there. So I’m happy about that. Privileged to be in this position. The work is never done. There are always players who are gonna push you to the limit. I’m just looking forward to my process,” he added.
The US Open triumph is the youngster's second Grand Slam title, adding to his Australian Open title from earlier this year.
Jannik Sinner reflects on relief of winning US Open title after defeating Taylor Fritz in the final
Before the US Open began, Jannik Sinner was in the limelight for all the wrong reasons as the news of his failed drug tests surfaced. He tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug twice in March but was cleared by the ITIA and an independent tribunal.
Sinner maintained he did not do anything against the rules and did not receive preferential treatment. However, he faced criticism from several prominent people.
During an interview with ESPN after defeating Taylor Fritz in the 2024 US Open final, the Italian was asked if he felt relieved with the trophy in his hands after having endured a difficult month. Sinner talked about the losses he faced at Flushing Meadows in the previous years and emphasized the importance of continued hard work and dedication to maintain his success.
“It’s also a relief. You work for these kind of trophies. You work to play big matches on big stages. I’m so happy I can take this one home with me. I had very tough losses here. Against Carlos with match point. Last year against Zverev," he said.
"I always knew this court could suit me very well. I just tried to keep going and improving. The work hasn’t stopped. We are gonna take this one with us and we’re gonna celebrate tonight.” he added.
Sinner has been participating in the main draw of the US Open since 2019, and his previous best finish was a quarterfinal exit in 2022. With this victory, he became the first Italian man in history to win the New York Major.