Jannik Sinner defeats Alexander Zverev to secure back-to-back Australian Open wins

Tennis sensation Jannik Sinner has joined the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer following an impressive straight-sets Australian Open final triumph over Alexander Zverev.

Sinner claimed a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3  victory over Zverev at Melbourne Park on Sunday, January 26 further cementing his growing Grand Slam legacy.

In defending the title he won for the first time last year and adding to his 2024 US Open victory, Sinner becomes the first player since Djokovic in 2016 to claim three consecutive hard-court Grand Slam titles.

Zverev, frustrated by his fading chances, smashed his racquet after losing the second-set tiebreaker. Things got worse when Sinner, despite clutching his left hamstring late in the set, remained dominant.

Zverev likely knew his best shot at winning would come by extending the match to at least four sets, but Sinner broke him again in the sixth game, and that was the turning point.

In the end, Sinner served out the match in 2 hours and 42 minutes, becoming just the third player this century to win a Grand Slam final without facing a single break point, joining Federer (2003 Wimbledon) and Nadal (2017 US Open) in that exclusive club.

After his win, Sinner paid an emotional tribute to his Australian coach, Darren Cahill, and the rest of his team, following the announcement earlier in the tournament that this would be their last Australian Open together.

“We worked a lot to be again in this position. It’s an amazing feeling to share this moment with all of you,” Sinner said.

“I know also a part of the team is at home and my family and everyone, but it is amazing to achieve these things, but mostly to share this with you guys.

“And I know Darren, I tried to convince you (to stay on but) it’s your last Australian Open as a coach, and I’m very, very happy to share this trophy with you.”

Despite the loss, Zverev was gracious in defeat, praising his opponent and reaffirming his determination to keep chasing an Australian Open title.

“But congratulations to Jannik. You more than deserve it. You are the best player in the world by far,” he said.

“I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you were just too good. It’s as simple as that.

“I want to thank my team. I mean, are trying to do all the right work. I’m just not good enough.

“But I really appreciate what everybody has done over the last few years, back from my ankle injury, to world No.2. To playing grand slam finals again.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lift a trophy, but I’ll keep coming back, keep trying.”

-with AAP.