'This keeps you going': How Jannik Sinner overcame serious fitness issues in gruelling Australian Open campaign
Throughout the entire Australian Open, Jannik Sinner's fitness was a constant source of discussion.
Early on in the tournament he battled illness. Then in the semi final against Ben Shelton he had obvious cramps and spasms.
Midway through the second set of his final against Alexander Zverev, Sinner had another concerning moment when he appeared to suffer a different injury.
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The Italian had stretched out for a backhand and then immediately grabbed at his glute and hamstring area.
Jannik Sinner clutches at his glute. Nine
"He walks awkwardly to the side of the court," Todd Woodbridge said on Nine.
But Sinner managed to defy injury once again and claim victory in straight sets.
Post-match in a panel chat with Nine, Sinner simply said there was "no issue".
"Just a small feeling but then after it went away. I was prepared for it and I'm very happy," he told Nine.
Despite Sinner watering down the incident post-match, the moment caused concern considering his fitness throughout the tournament.
The world No.1 noticeably prepared for the final with the roof closed, in a move that may have been related to the heat in Melbourne.
Asked by Jim Courier if he had any concerns over the potential length of his final, Sinner explained the weight of the occasion would've helped him keep going.
"Honestly, semi finals and finals you have much more pressure, much more adrenaline in your body and I feel like this keeps you going," he said.
"You know in your mind there is only one match left, you want to empty your tank a little bit and that's what I was trying to do and understanding the situation on the court, when to go more, when to go a little bit back."
