In a dazzling display of composure and precision, Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open title with a 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final. The world No. 1 showcased why he is the undisputed king of tennis right now, extending his dominance with back-to-back major wins following his 2024 US Open triumph.
Sinner’s third Grand Slam title and second consecutive victory in Melbourne underline his extraordinary form, as he now boasts 21 consecutive wins and 14 straight victories at Grand Slam events. While Zverev, ranked world No. 2, had his chances, he once again fell short in his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title.
Sinner’s Champion Mentality Shines Through
The Italian maestro set the tone early, capitalizing on Zverev’s struggles with uncharacteristic errors and racquet issues in the first set. Sinner’s flawless net play and remarkable backhand volley sealed the opener, leaving little doubt about his intentions.
The second set, however, was where the drama unfolded. Zverev found glimpses of brilliance but failed to capitalize on several key moments. Sinner, clutching his hamstring at one point, held firm under pressure. Despite saving break points and forcing a tie-break, Zverev’s frustrations boiled over, culminating in a racquet smash. Sinner remained unflappable, sealing the set with a touch of fortune and an unwavering focus.
“I had to stay strong mentally,” Sinner said post-match. “Against a player like Sascha [Zverev], you can’t afford to let your guard down. I’m proud of how I handled the key moments.”
Zverev’s Missed Opportunities
For Zverev, this defeat will be hard to digest. The German star’s volleying struggles and inability to convert crucial break opportunities defined his performance. Despite flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second set, Zverev couldn’t overcome Sinner’s relentless consistency.
The world No. 2’s frustration was evident, as he failed to break Sinner’s serve even once. His inability to deliver in the clutch moments highlighted the gap between himself and his rival on the biggest stage.
The Final Set: Sinner’s Decisive Blow
The third set epitomized Sinner’s champion mindset. After a grueling second set, he broke Zverev early to take a commanding 4-2 lead. Though Zverev tried to mount a late comeback, Sinner’s powerful serves and precision groundstrokes proved too much.
Zverev held serve to delay the inevitable, but Sinner calmly served out the match, showcasing the poise and precision of a player destined for greatness.
A Historic Triumph
With this victory, Sinner not only retains his Australian Open crown but also solidifies his position at the top of men’s tennis. His streak of 23 consecutive sets won against Top 10 opponents is a new record, further emphasizing his unparalleled dominance.
“Winning here again feels incredible,” Sinner said, holding the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup. “The atmosphere, the fans, the energy—this is what you dream of as a player.”
What’s Next for Sinner and Zverev?
While Sinner celebrates another career milestone, Zverev is left to ponder his ongoing Grand Slam drought. The German’s consistency has kept him at the top of the rankings, but the elusive major title remains out of reach.
For Sinner, the focus now shifts to the clay-court season, where he aims to continue his incredible run. With his relentless work ethic and unmatched mental strength, the 23-year-old is undoubtedly the player to beat in 2025.