Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance to defeat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the Australian Open final, successfully defending his title and securing his third Grand Slam crown.
The 23-year-old Italian solidified his place in tennis history, becoming the first player from Italy to win three Grand Slam titles, surpassing the legendary Nicola Pietrangeli, who claimed two Roland Garros trophies in 1959 and 1960.
Sinner, the world No. 1, demonstrated clinical precision under the lights of Rod Laver Arena, dictating play with relentless pressure and flawless execution.
The pivotal moment came in the second-set tiebreak when an unlucky net cord tilted the momentum in Sinner’s favour, breaking Zverev’s resistance.
The German, who was seeking his maiden Grand Slam title, struggled to recover. A crucial forehand error handed Sinner a match point, which the Italian converted with a stunning backhand passing shot.
Sinner celebrated his triumph by climbing into the stands to embrace his team, a fitting end to a dominant display.
This victory marks another milestone in Sinner’s meteoric rise, building on his breakthrough win over Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final.
For Zverev, the wait for Grand Slam glory continues, having fallen short in the 2020 US Open final against Dominic Thiem and the 2024 French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Sinner’s victory cements his status as a generational talent, with his reign at the top showing no signs of slowing down.