Jannik Sinner has revealed why his second Australian Open title is different and special. Sinner defended his title on Sunday after beating Alexander Zverev in the final in straight sets. The Italian registered a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win against the German to win his third Slam title.

The 23-year-old said it is always special to win a Major and it is even more satisfying for him to defend his title in Melbourne. The youngster said he had put in the hard yards in practice and he is delighted to go all the way in the Happy Slam.

“The first one is more kind of relief. It’s different. It gives you the [knowledge] that you can do it if you play some great tennis,” Sinner told the assembled media. “The second one, this one, maybe you enjoy it a bit more because it’s different. But every Grand Slam, or every tournament you win, or you go far, it has its own story. You have to pass difficulties, like I did also this year here, and this makes it very, very special.”

Sinner became the first man since Rafael Nadal at the 2006 Roland Garros to successfully defend his maiden major victory.

“It means so much to me,” Sinner said. “It’s a lot of work we we put behind this one. It means a lot to have this one now two times with me, and the support has been amazing from the start of the tournament.”

Sinner revealed how he spent his time with close family and team after winning the Australian Open.

“We had a nice dinner with all the team, and then also my brother was here and [we were] just having a great time together, which is exactly what we needed,” Sinner said. “It was nice to close [the event] with just with us. It was a very, very nice evening.”

The World No.1 also gave his gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support throughout the tournament.

“The crowd has been amazing from the beginning of the of the tournament, honestly,” Sinner said. “Also the week of preparation, I got a lot of support. That’s maybe what means the most to me.”