Jannik Sinner has opened up after his stirring victory over Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open on Friday morning.
The 22-year-old went into the match as the underdog, with his opponent winning a remarkable 24 Grand Slam titles during his glittering career.
However, Sinner showed no sign of nerves with the Italian producing one of his best performances so far to make the final.
The youngster won the first two sets, only for Djokovic to secure the third after battling back from match point down.
Jannik Sinner has opened up after his dramatic Australian Open win over Novak Djokovic
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The 36-year-old was unable to hit top gear, however, with Sinner eventually winning the contest 6-1, 6-2, 6-7, 6-3 to make the final.
Now, speaking after his victory, the tennis star admitted he sensed weakness in Djokovic and that his rival wasn't feeling good on the court.
"It was a very tough match. I started off really well for two sets," he said.
"I felt that he wasn’t feeling too great on court and I kept pushing.
“Then, in the third set, I missed match point but you know this is tennis and I just tried to be ready for the next set.
"I started really well and obviously the atmosphere was really great.
“I was looking forward for this match. It’s always nice to have this kind of player where you can learn from.
"I lost last year in the semis in Wimbledon. I learned a lot from that, it’s all part of the process.
"I’m really happy to share this with you guys and my team.”
Sinner has now beaten Djokovic in three of their last four meetings, a run that proves he's close to becoming one of the best players in the world.
But the Italian was modest when quizzed on whether he's now a specialist at beating the world No 1.
“I don’t know – ask him!" he joked.
“I think we play really similar and you have to first of all return as many times as possible. He is also an incredible server.
"I just try to push and move him around. I’m not going to tell you the tactics.
"I have the feeling I might play him hopefully a couple of different matches.
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Jannik Sinner produced one of the best performances of his career to beat Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open
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“I had the chance when I was younger to practice with him in Monaco and the process of learning from the best players in the world started.
"Move the ball a little bit more, be a little bit unpredictable. The serve has improved a lot but I have the feeling I can still improve a lot.
"I have a great team behind me and will keep pushing.”
Sinner will now face either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev in the final of the competition on Sunday.
And the 22-year-old has admitted he'll watch their match as he looks to secure the first Grand Slam title of his career.
Jannik Sinner embraces Novak Djokovic after his brilliant victory at the Australian Open on Friday
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“I will watch it because I am a huge tennis fan. It’s good for me to watch it," he said.
“I’m a bit more relaxed now. They are incredible players and they have met many times.
"Zverev is back to 100 per cent and also Daniil – it will be a great match and we’ll see what happens on Sunday.”
