'I think we stop here': Jannik Sinner sends Open crowd into hysterics with cheeky John McEnroe sledge
Italian superstar Jannik Sinner drew raucous laughs from the Rod Laver Arena crowd with a cheeky sledge of tennis great John McEnroe on Thursday night.
The world No.1 had just knocked out Aussie Tristan Schoolkate in four sets after the local hope stunned him by taking the first set.
Unlike American upstart Danielle Collins - who sledged the crowd about how much money she makes on tour after beating Australian player Destanee Aiava - Sinner showed class in thanking the fans who packed Melbourne's iconic stadium.
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The 23-year-old had looked flustered early in the match when Schoolkate got on top of him with a superb serve-and-volley tactic.
Jannik Sinner of Italy is interviewed by on-court presenter John McEnroe. Getty
But Sinner is typically cool as a cucumber and remained relatively calm - a fact noted by McEnroe during their on-court interview following the match.
"I'm pretty emotional," McEnroe said.
"Generally , when I've been in Italy, Italians express themselves. You are able to control yourself so well.
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"I want to know how you do it."
American great McEnroe was famously flamboyant on the court and prone to outbursts, as many top tennis players are.
His question to Sinner was met with a wry smile.
"We can say we are a bit different, me and you," Sinner joked as the crowd broke into laughter.
"But it shows that everyone is different, everyone has their own mentality.
"I have mine, I have to say I'm quite happy with my one."
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The crowd erupted again as McEnroe responded, "what are you saying?", to which a red-faced Sinner said, "I think we stop (the interview) here".
Sinner faces Marcos Giron in round three.
