Jannik Sinner wins his third Slam title, second in a row at the Australian Open .
In the Melbourne final, the South Tyrolean tennis player defeated the world number 2, the German Alexander Zverev, with a score of 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 , without giving his opponent any chance of breaking throughout the match.
The world number 1 is simply unplayable. An easier match than expected also thanks to a masterly performance by Jannik, who hammers on the German's weak shot, the forehand , and makes things clear from the start. His service games go by easily, Zverev often and willingly has to suffer, despite the great serve on which Sinner works miracles to send the ball back to the other side of the court.
Zverev suffers in the fourth game, gets back up canceling two break points with two splendid first serves but is forced to capitulate in the eighth, at the sixth break point for the Italian who takes the lead to 5-3 and closes the set with an amazing game . A great point with a defensive forehand that turns into an almost winner, one at the net, with two perfect volleys, one with an ace. A real masterclass to take home the first set.
In the second set, the score is “on serve” until 6-all, even though it is always Zverev who suffers more and who cancels two break points against the world number 1. At 4-4 in the tiebreak, a lucky ribbon paves the way for Jannik, who holds his two serves and closes 7-4 .
In the third set the decisive break comes in the sixth game , Sinner suffers a bit to confirm it in the next game but saves himself thanks to his serve and does not have to cancel break points. He closes it 6-3, with a drop shot and a backhand passing shot. Then he raises his arms to the sky at the end of a dominated match.
The Italian is now the absolute dominator of hard courts: he has won the last 21 matches at Slam level from the Australian Open 2024 to those of 2025, with the US Open in between . And he did it losing only 7 sets. For the first time in the history of tennis an Italian has reached the quota of three Slams won, Sinner has surpassed Pietrangeli who had won Roland Garros twice. And he is only 23 years old.
“It sucks to be here and not be able to touch the trophy. Today I was hoping to be more competitive and have a chance but you are number one in the world and by a lot, you are too strong ,” Zverev told him, visibly disappointed by his third defeat in as many career Slam finals.
The world number 1 turns his first thoughts to supercoach Cahill, who intends to retire at the end of 2025: «It's a great feeling to be able to share this trophy with my team and my family: I will try to convince coach Darren Cahill, since this must be his last Melbourne ».
(Unioneonline/L)
