:format(webp)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/grupoclarin/PG6FJTBRNRFA3FQBQT7T5HMOX4.jpg "Sinner returns to Italy amid great fanfare after establishing himself in Australia")
ROME (AP) — The new Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner returned to Italy on Tuesday amid great euphoria, with public television RAI broadcasting his arrival live at Rome’s international airport.
Wearing a black sweatshirt and carrying his orange racket bag on his shoulders, Sinner also carried a green bag in which he appeared to have stored his Australian Open trophy.
Sinner was later to receive a tribute from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
By coming back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final, Sinner became the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam singles title in nearly half a century — since Adriano Panatta became the Open champion. France in 1976.
In November, Sinner was also the leader of the team that won Italy’s first Davis Cup title since 1976.
Sinner had planned a press conference with the president of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation, Angelo Binaghi. In addition, he and his Davis Cup teammates will receive a tribute on Thursday from president Sergio Mattarella.
On Monday, Pope Francis congratulated Italy on Sinner’s victory.