'Either people like me or they don’t,' Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner shrugs off the need for validation after he thumps Ben Shelton at the Indian Wells

Sinner spent a lot of time waiting in the wings for a Grand Slam title. With consistent performances across all four Majors, he was still unlucky in getting his hands on the trophy. But the tide changed at this year’s Australian Open where he won his first-ever singles Major title.

He first defeated defending champ and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the semis. Nole went on to call the match his ‘worst match‘ at a Grand Slam event. Sinner then beat Daniil Medvedev in the finals, coming from two sets down in one of the greatest comebacks in a Major final.

With a sudden spike in his fanbase and also the ones disliking him, the Italian was questioned about how he manages the pressure. Speaking with the press following his win over Shelton, Sinner commented on whether the pressure of winning a Major has reduced along with people’s expectations of him.

No, less pressure, no, because other players, they know you, everyone wants to beat the players who have won Grand Slams. But I don't think it's a thing of pressure or no pressure. It's more about the relief. For sure, there will always be people who talk, no? This is normal. You have to be smart as a player to give it the right importance when they talk about you. Said Sinner in his press conference.

I've always been one player who, for me, doesn't really matter what people say. Either people like me or they don't like me. I cannot control everyone. What I can control are the people who are around me, and for me, they are much more important than all the rest. Added the Italian.

Jannik Sinner admits to enjoying being around the fans

Sinner’s humble nature and quiet personality always attracted fans to him. These behavioral traits along with his success on the court have made him one of the most liked players on the Tour currently.

Speaking further, the 12-time title winner talked about the feeling of being a Major champion. Despite his historic victory coming nearly two months ago, the special feeling has continued to stay with him. But that has not reduced pressure nevertheless.

But talking about this thing, winning a Grand Slam, it's an incredible feeling, nice feeling. I still have it in my mind. But in the other way, we are already months away. I'm playing here, and I have pressure on my shoulders. Said the World No. 3.

I mean, this is normal. But I also enjoy these kind of moments on the court. To be around fans and crowds, it's a good feeling. Concluded the Italian.

With the win over Shelton, Sinner will now take on 32nd-seeded Jiri Lehecka. It will be the first ATP Tour meeting between the two 22-year-olds. Lehecka beat 11th-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round, dispatching the Greek in straight-sets.