Italian star Jannik Sinner won plenty of hearts when he became the first Australian Open winner other than the big three of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal since 2005 on Sunday.
But the 22-year-old also revealed the enormous amount of self sacrifice it has taken to reach the pinnacle of his sport.
On the surface, it has been a rapid and meteoric rise to the top for the world No.4, who is set to receive another rankings boost following his grand slam victory.
He became the first Italian to win the Aussie trophy and just the second to win a grand slam title in the open era.
He also did it after battling a series of foot injuries in 2022 that saw him withdraw from the Miami Open and French Open while also being cut down in the quarterfinals at Wimbledon against Djokovic.
As a 12-year-old, Sinner was actually a snow sports champion in Italy. But his skill at tennis meant he had to make a very difficult decision in his teenage years.
Sinner (front, centre) has been forced to train and play away from his parents ((back row, left and second from left) for years to achieve his goals
All the sacrifice was worth it after winning the Australian Open trophy on Sunday at Melbourne Park, as the 22-year-old became the first Italian to win the title
Holding the Australian Open trophy, Sinner credited his parents for giving him the freedom to pursue his new sport that has ultimately ended in grand slam glory.
'I wished that everyone could have my parents because they always let me choose whatever I wanted to,' he said.
'Even when I was younger I also made some other sports and they never put pressure on myself, and I wish that this freedom is possible for as many young kids as possible. Thank you so much for my parents.'
While that announcement was heartwarming, what he said next was heartbreaking.
'I don't see them so often, unfortunately,' Sinner conceded in his post-match press conference.
'But when I see them it's always a great time.'
Never, stop, fighting!
My first Grand Slam title, lost for words, forza!!!!!! 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/y8R8eJ1VTh
— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) January 28, 2024his forehand on championship point is the most jannik sinner thing ever pic.twitter.com/2FUyBjuD18
— nic (@NlCSF) January 28, 2024The Italian star revealed he was forced to grow up fast, away from his parents and training hard as a teenager on foreign soil.
'I went away from home when I was 14 years old, so I had to grow up quite fast — trying to cook for myself, trying to make laundry,' Sinner said.
'You know, the first times it is different but then in the other way, that was maybe the fastest way to grow up.
'I think for me it was tough, but for the parents to leave their son at 14 years old, it's also not easy.
'They always gave me [opportunities], they never put pressure on myself, which for me is maybe the key why I'm here today.
'I'm a very quite relaxed man, who just enjoys playing tennis. I'm 22 years old so I also enjoy doing normal stuff.
'And that's it. They are the perfect parents. Obviously I know only them but they are awesome.'
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