The waiting continues: Alexander Zverev has also lost his third final at a Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open. Jannik Sinner underpins at 6: 3, 7: 6 (7: 4), 6: 3 impressively that he is the best tennis player in the world.
After the US Open 2020 and the French Open last year, Zverev in Australia had made it into the final with a total of only two lost sets. Four and a half years ago in New York, the 27-year-old had already led and still lost to Dominic Thiem with 2-0 sets, in the summer of 2024 there was no 2-1 lead against Carlos Alcaraz-this time Zverev was far from the chance to win his first title at one of the top 4 events in tennis.
Zverev: “Sinner by far the best player in the world”
“It is annoying to stand next to the trophy and not be allowed to touch them”said a visibly depressed Zverev at the subsequent award ceremony. “Jannik has more than deserved it, he is by far the best player in the world. I was hoping that I could keep up, but Jannik is just too good.”
In the 36th attempt, Zverev did not manage to get his long -awaited title from a Grand Slam, but he thanked the fans and his team also made a promise. “We are trying everything, but I’m just not yet good enough. But I will come back next year and try again”said Zverev.
Decision in the first sentence after discussions with the box
The first set was definitely from many longer rallies – where Sinner mostly had the upper hand. At 2-1, the Italian secured the first two break chances, but Zverev countered with strong serves and offensive play. During the change of sides at 3: 4 from the perspective of German, however, he got a little out of the game with his supervisory staff.
Sinner secured the next chances of the first break that Zverev was able to prevent a total of three times because he played his best tennis under pressure. The world ranking was more stable than the second in the world, a Zverev error then brought the sixth break chance that Sinner finally used after a too weak attack ball from Zverev to 5: 3.
Jannik Sinner showed why he is number 1 in the world.
The 23 -year -old then won his service game with his first two aces too zero and thus after 46 minutes the first set – and that deserves. Sinner made fewer mistakes, hit more winners and scored eight more. Zverev was too dependent on the strength of his surcharge and could never endanger his opponent.
Thigh problems at Sinner – but still the second set win
Zverev fell too often into old patterns, acted too far behind the baseline too often – that is why his opponent’s serve was not in danger. The Hamburger also remained stable – apart from two deflected breakballs at 1: 1 – with a 4: 3 lead. After the game ball, Sinner suddenly reached the rear left thigh and apparently had pain. An advantage for Zverev, who won his semi -finals after the first set (7: 6) because Novak Djokovic gave up?
At least this moment made sure that Sinner came out of step. Zverev held its service and at 4: 5 from the Italian’s point of view, it was suddenly 0:30 after two mistakes. This time, however, Sinner was able to rely on his serve and equalize to 5: 5.
A few minutes later, Zverev was 6: 5 and 30:30 very close to his first break chance, but Sinner was able to win the most spectacular rallies of the game by far and then saved himself into the Tie Break. There both had a 3-0 balance during the Australian Open – and Sinner was able to expand this perfect yield. At 4: 4, the previous year’s winner won the decisive mini-break with a network scooter, completed with a forehand winner to 7: 4.
Sinner has not been beaten since the end of 2024
Sinner had won 20 games across the season in a row and only lost three sentences during this time. In addition to the Australian Open, he also won the second Grand Slam tournament on hard court at the US Open in 2024, and throughout the year he lost only three times on his favorite covering. And now Sinner, in which it was clear before the final it was clear that he stayed number one, only one sentence for the third triumph in his third Grand Slam final.
The South Tyrolean had apparently overcome its problems in the thigh, but on the other hand had an opponent who played much better. Zverev could have little accused, he was active, played aggressively and brave, hit Winner, but of course also made mistakes. Sinner, however, showed why he is the undisputed number one in the world, and that Zverev only the title “Best of the Rest” remains.
Zverev cannot crack Sinner’s serve
Sinner remained invariably with his own service, and he did not allow breakball in the entire match. In contrast, Zverev was no longer able to prevent the next occasions for his opponent at 2: 3 – and this time he could no longer free himself. Sinner took advantage of his tenth break chance and took the serve for the second time, so given a preliminary decision in the face of the match course.
Sinner then had problems for the first time and had to go back twice, but mastered these exams with service winners. Zverev now had to serve against the loss of the match – and that against an opponent who knew how to take advantage of everything clever, which Zverev offered him and, above all, was tactically better. He held his serve, but then Sinner closed the sack. After a total of 2:42 hours, it was clear that Zverev continued to wait for his first triumph at a Grand Slam tournament.
Sinner: “Everyone believes that Zverev will soon win the first Grand Slam”
Sinner also showed human size afterwards and set up Zverev. “It’s a tough day for you again, Sascha. You are an incredible player, keep your faith in you. Keep going, we all believe that you will soon win your first Grand Slam”said the Australia champion. “For me it was an incredible tournament and I hope that it will go on like this.”