Watching movies, listening to music and refusing to think about tennis had helped settle his pre-match nerves, new Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic said.
Then he arrived at Rod Laver Arena.
- Images from the final | Fan fest
"It all changed in two seconds... when you get to the full stadium," the 20-year-old Serb told reporters after he beat France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 to claim his first Grand Slam title on Sunday night.
"I was a bit nervous from the start because I found myself the favourite in the final of a Grand Slam, which is not usual for me.
"It's always dangerous to play against an underdog who has nothing to lose.
"He was really aggressive going for the shots and that is where I had to keep calm and keep my focus."
Djokovic, who lost to world number one Roger Federer in last year's US Open final then beat the Swiss in the semi-finals at Melbourne Park, said that experience had helped against Tsonga.
"Obviously playing in a Grand Slam final in US Open gave me a lot of experience which I used today.
"I just was trying to keep my focus, retain the consistency, the high level of game, try to wait for my opportunities, and then when I get them I should use them right away, which I did.
"In these crucial moments I was being probably more patient and more focused, so I think that was one of the turning points."
Djokovic added he was "unbelievably proud" to be the first Serbian man to win a Grand Slam singles title, but it had still probably not sunk in.
"It's probably (an) indescribable feeling, something that I always dreamed of. I think every player dreams about winning a Grand Slam.
"I'm still not aware of the big achievement.
"Still it's my first Grand Slam. I'm very happy for that. I'm gonna take it easy. I'm not gonna try to think about reaching even higher goals right away.
"I'm not in a rush. I want to enjoy my success and just celebrate with the people I care about. From then, I'll see where it goes."
Photograph: Novak Djokovic celebrates in the locker room with his parents and two younger brothers/Getty Images
