Jannik Sinner reveled in another of his golden days, retaining his Australian Open title by defeating Alexander Zverev, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3, on Sunday, MySportDab Reports.
The 23-year-old Italian further established himself as the world’s top player and became the first Italian ever to win three Grand Slam titles, surpassing Nicola Pietrangeli.
Sinner’s authoritative showing on Rod Laver Arena means he joins tennis gods Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men this century — and second overall — to defend their Melbourne Park crown.
For Zverev, though, it was another missed opportunity to finally win an elusive Grand Slam title, coming up short in his third major final.
“My team, sharing this moment — it’s an amazing feeling,” Sinner said during the trophy ceremony before comforting Zverev. “Keep believing in yourself. You are a great player and person and we are all sure you will lift this trophy soon.”
Sinner’s victory is not without its controversy, having been the subject of a World Anti-Doping Agency appeal since being cleared of traces of the steroid clostebol found last year.
The Sinner victory marked his 21st consecutive win, and the 19th career title, despite having an ongoing legal dispute.
Sinner rushed out to a fast start, breaking Zverev in the eighth game of the first set with a blistering passing shot. Zverev staved off break points at first but could not resist Sinner’s constant bombardment.
Zverev came back to force a tiebreak in the second set, but Sinner’s consistency was the telling factor. A lucky net cord went the Italian’s way, and he raced away to bag the set. As Zverev’s hopes faded, he smashed his racquet in frustration.
In the deciding set, Zverev made mistakes under Sinner’s pressure, and the German’s serve was broken for a crucial 4-2 lead. Sinner sealed the match comfortably, and Zverev could do little other than salute his opponent’s domination.
If Zverev regretted another missed opportunity, Sinner’s victory reinforced his primacy in men’s tennis. “You’re the clear best player in the world by a mile,” Zverev said in his runner-up speech.
