Jannik Sinner joined Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andre Agassi in attaining a grand slam feat at the Australian Open, but he does not want to be compared to tennis' greats.
Sinner beat Nicolas Jarry 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 to start his title defence in Melbourne, where he is hunting a third grand slam crown.
In the process, Sinner reeled off a 15th straight major match win on hard courts.
That is something only Federer, Djokovic and Agassi have previously achieved.
When asked by Stats Perform how it felt to join such an illustrious trio, Sinner said: "Yeah, I mean, it's amazing to be next to these names.
"[But] I cannot compare myself with these players, no? They have done so, so many things.
"I'm just trying to make my own little story. I'm happy about that.
"I like hard courts. I like these conditions. Especially when it's not that hot like today, it's very nice to play."
15 - Jannik Sinner has claimed his 15th straight Grand Slam match win on hard court, becoming the fourth player since 2000 to achieve as many consecutive wins on the surface after Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic. Ride. #AO2025 | @AustralianOpen @TennisAustralia pic.twitter.com/tI1w32CGmm
— OptaAce (@OptaAce) January 13, 2025
Sinner was playing in his first match of the season, having last featured in a competitive encounter in November, as he led Italy to the Davis Cup title.
Asked by Stats Perform whether any rustiness had set in, the world number one replied: "No, he was playing really, really well, to be honest.
"Especially, serving incredibly well in important moments. Also from the back of the court he was returning really well, playing aggressively. I could have also lost the first couple of sets. You never know.
"But no, how I handled those situations on the court, especially the tie-breaks, I was happy. I had some chances in the first set at 6-5. I missed a second serve return. But this can happen."
