Billie Jean King Swells With Pride After Jannik Sinner References Her Iconic Line Post Australian Open Triumph

Jannik Sinner is all the rage in the tennis world right now. The Italian youngster won his first grand slam final in stylish fashion and is the youngster the world is crowning as the new leader. After his win, Sinner’s post-match presser showed just why he won the 2024 Australian Open. During the presser, Sinner used a famous quote from a WTA legend.

Sinner is a big fan of the individual which is one of the biggest reasons the Women’s Tennis Association was founded. He met her once on an unassuming evening and quoted her after his win.

Jannik Sinner shares a quote from tennis legend

The 22-year-old Italian player became a trending figure in the world as tennis stars in all phases came forward to congratulate him. Billie Jean King was one of those stars. She found herself smiling twice as Sinner used her most famous quote. King once said, “Pressure is a privilege. It only comes to those who earn it,” and many tennis stars have internalized it. 

Sinner, after his 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 win against Daniil Medvedev, sat down with the press. When asked about the mental pressure athletes face, he said, “There is always pressure. But the pressure is something you have to take in a good way, its a privilege, you know?”

He used King’s most famous quote. She then reshared the video of the moment on her Instagram story, repeating the words, “Pressure is privilege.” Like several active players, Sinner is inspired by King’s contribution to the sport and her achievements in it. 

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Sinner, who is a big fan of hers, met her for the first time in a way a fan would meet their favorite celebrity. 

How King met Sinner for the first time

In an interview with Corriere Della Sera, King discussed her first meeting with Jannik Sinner. She and her wife, Ilana Kloss, were plainly enamored with Sinner’s courteous and compassionate personality. “My wife and I were walking along Church Road. We saw this tall guy, with red hair, coming towards us. ‘I’m Jannik, I wanted to introduce myself’. Not only he recognized me, he also wanted to meet me in person,” she said.

Their meeting would be something King would remember for a long time to come. Now that Sinner has won his first major tournament, King will be following him even more closely and cheer him on when he is contesting a trophy.

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