Italian sensation Jannik Sinner triumphed once again at the Australian Open, securing his second consecutive title with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev at Rod Laver Arena.
Sinner, the world number one, made history by becoming the first Italian player to claim three Grand Slam titles. His victory on Sunday propelled him past Nicola Pietrangeli, who previously held the record with back-to-back men’s titles at Roland Garros in 1959 and 1960.
“We worked a lot to be in this position again,” Sinner shared during the trophy presentation, expressing gratitude to his team. “It’s amazing to share this feeling with all of you and to achieve this together.”
Addressing Zverev, the defeated finalist, Sinner added, “Keep believing in yourself. We know how strong you are as a player and a person, and you can lift a trophy.”
Dominance Under the Melbourne Lights
Sinner showcased his relentless form, dismissing any drama with precise execution and unmatched pressure. Under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, the Italian clinched a decisive break in the first set’s sixth game after Zverev sent a forehand long.
Though Zverev fought valiantly in the second set, taking it to a tiebreak, his fortunes turned on a crucial net cord that worked in Sinner’s favor. Zverev eventually surrendered the set, visibly frustrated as he smashed his racquet.
The third set saw Sinner firmly in control. With a wild forehand from Zverev sailing over the baseline to hand Sinner a crucial break, the German’s hopes faded. Sinner sealed the match with a stunning backhand passing shot, raising his arms in triumph as the crowd erupted in celebration.
Sinner Brings Focus Amid Challenges
Despite ongoing doping allegations and a World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) appeal against his exoneration, Sinner maintained composure. He denies knowingly doping, with a hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) set for April.
Sinner’s win marks his 19th career title and extends his remarkable winning streak to 21 matches, solidifying his reputation as the pre-eminent hard-court player of his generation.
Zverev’s Third Grand Slam Final Disappointment
For Alexander Zverev, the defeat marked his third loss in a Grand Slam final. While visibly disappointed, he praised Sinner during the post-match ceremony, saying, “Congratulations to Jannik. You more than deserve it. You’re the best player in the world by far. I was hoping to be more competitive today, but you’re just too good.”
Despite his gracious words, Zverev endured heckling from the crowd during his speech. He dismissed the interruptions and maintained his focus, emphasizing his determination to bounce back.
A Legacy in the Making
At just 23 years old, Jannik Sinner’s back-to-back Australian Open victories cement his legacy as a dominant force in modern tennis. His name now joins the illustrious list of recent Australian Open champions, including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal.
With his relentless work ethic and unwavering focus, Sinner has become a beacon of hope for Italian tennis and a global ambassador for the sport.
Recent Australian Open Champions
- 2016: Novak Djokovic, Serbia
- 2017: Roger Federer, Switzerland
- 2018: Roger Federer, Switzerland
- 2019: Novak Djokovic, Serbia
- 2020: Novak Djokovic, Serbia
- 2021: Novak Djokovic, Serbia
- 2022: Rafael Nadal, Spain
- 2023: Novak Djokovic, Serbia
- 2024: Jannik Sinner, Italy
- 2025: Jannik Sinner, Italy
The Information is Collected from Sky Sports and BBC.