Jannik Sinner delivered a commanding performance at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Sunday, defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 to retain his Australian Open men’s singles title.
The 23-year-old world number one notched his third Grand Slam victory, adding to his 2024 US Open win and his Australian Open triumph from the previous year.
Sinner sealed the victory with a perfectly executed winner into an open court after luring Zverev to the net with a delicate drop shot. Despite moments of brilliance from Zverev, including two opportunities to edge ahead in the second set, Sinner remained impenetrable. He didn’t face a single break point in the two-hour, 42-minute contest.
“This is an amazing feeling,” Sinner said after the match. “We worked a lot to be in this position. It’s incredible to share this moment with my team and all of you. Darren [Cahill], this is probably your last Australian Open as a coach, and I’m so happy to share this trophy with you.”
Cahill, Sinner’s coach, is set to retire at the end of the year, but Sinner expressed hopes of convincing him to stay on. “Everything started when I changed my team and brought in a new combination of coaches and physios. I’m very happy to have you all here,” he added.
Sinner joins list of elite players
Sinner’s win extends his remarkable 21-match unbeaten streak at hard-court Grand Slam events, making him the fifth player in the Open Era to achieve three consecutive hard-court major titles. He joins tennis greats such as Novak Djokovic, who last accomplished this feat in 2015-2016.
In a heartfelt gesture, Sinner praised Zverev during the trophy presentation. “I would like to start with Sascha. Again, a tough day for you, your whole team and family,” Sinner said after consoling Zverev who was in tears. “You have an incredible team behind you and are an amazing player. Keep believing in yourself as all the players and coaches know how strong you are as a player and person. Keep it up and keep working hard as we all believe you can lift one of these very soon.”
Zverev, who was aiming to become only the fifth German man to win a Grand Slam, was visibly emotional. Reflecting on the loss, he said, “It sucks standing next to this thing and not being able to touch it. Congratulations to Jannik, you deserve it. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today but you are just too good, it is as simple as that. Congratulations to you and your team, you really deserve it. You have done all the right things and there is nobody who deserves this trophy more.”
The Italian’s impressive run in Melbourne was not without challenges. In the round of 16, Sinner overcame a medical scare during his match against Denmark’s Holger Rune. He dropped just two sets throughout the tournament, further solidifying his status as the game’s top player.
The 23-year-old now boasts 18 ATP Tour titles and has been instrumental in leading Italy to Davis Cup victories in 2023 and 2024.
Bolelli and Vavassori are men’s doubles runners-up
Italy’s Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori endured another gut-wrenching Grand Slam final defeat at the Australian Open, falling to the sixth-seeded duo of Finland’s Harri Heliovaara and Britain’s Henry Patten in a thrilling 6-7(16), 7-6(5), 6-3 match that stretched into the early hours of Sunday morning in Melbourne.
The Italians, seeded third, fought valiantly in a match filled with drama and moments of brilliance but ultimately could not capitalise on crucial opportunities. Their loss marks their third defeat in a Grand Slam final, adding to their heartbreak in last year’s Australian Open and their 2024 US Open campaign.
Despite the loss, Vavassori remained gracious in defeat. “It was a very tight match, but you guys deserve it, congrats,” he said during the trophy ceremony. “I think we also deserved this one, but sometimes tennis is like this; it’s crazy.”
Bolelli and Vavassori’s heartbreak was compounded by missed opportunities in a marathon opening set, where they saved ten set points in an 87-minute battle that many believed could decide the match. The Italians managed to outlast Heliovaara and Patten in a dramatic tiebreak, with Bolelli’s thunderous forehand down the line sealing the set at 17-16.
Bolelli, a seasoned 39-year-old veteran and former Australian Open champion with Fabio Fognini in 2015, showed flashes of brilliance. However, his missed chances in the critical moments, particularly in the second and third sets, proved costly.
During the trophy presentation, Patten showed his respect for the Italian pair. “I know you guys will be back,” he said. “You show such good fight. There shouldn’t have really been a loser of this match. It was amazing.”
For Vavassori, 28, the loss denied him a maiden Grand Slam title, while Bolelli’s wait for a second major doubles crown continues. Ten years after his Melbourne triumph with Fognini, the veteran remains a force on the doubles circuit, but this latest setback is sure to sting.
Congratulations and Commiserations from Meloni
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni congratulated Sinner on retaining his Australian Open title. She called his win a source of “great pride for Italy.” She wrote, “A great Jannik Sinner has triumphed at the 2025 Australian Open, defending the title he won last year. Bravissimo!”
Meloni also offered her support to the doubles pairing on social media, writing, “Simone and Andrea showed immense courage and resilience on the world stage. They are a source of pride for Italy, despite the result.”
