Sinner aims for back-to-back Australian Open titles against Zverev

Jannik Sinner is on the brink of securing consecutive Australian Open titles as he prepares to face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the men’s final on Sunday. The Italian, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam in Melbourne last year, will be looking to join the ranks of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer by successfully defending his crown at Melbourne Park.

Meanwhile, the women’s doubles final will also take place on Sunday, with top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend taking on the formidable pairing of Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-Wei and Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko.

After his dramatic five-set triumph over Daniil Medvedev in last year’s final, Sinner is the clear favourite to claim another title and become the first man to go back-to-back in Melbourne since Djokovic’s three consecutive wins between 2019 and 2021.

Victory on Sunday would see Sinner join an elite group of players, becoming only the 11th man in the Open Era to retain the Australian Open trophy. Legends such as Federer (2006-07, 2017-18) and Andre Agassi (2000-01) have accomplished the feat, and the 23-year-old is poised to cement his place in tennis history.

Sinner, who also lifted the US Open title last year, could become the first Italian man to win three Grand Slam titles, surpassing Nicola Pietrangeli’s historic back-to-back Roland Garros triumphs in 1959 and 1960.

Currently, on a stunning 20-match winning streak, the top seed has brushed aside challenges with ruthless efficiency, easing past Australia’s Alex De Minaur in the quarter-finals and dispatching American rising star Ben Shelton in straight sets in the semis.

However, Sinner’s path to the final has not been entirely smooth. He experienced cramps during his clash with Shelton and struggled with dizziness in his four-set win over Holger Rune earlier in the tournament. With cooler evening temperatures of around 27°C expected on Sunday, conditions could work in his favour.

Despite external pressures, including the weight of defending his title, Sinner remains focused and determined:

“I’m trying to take the pressure off my shoulders,” he said. “It’s easy to say but difficult to do. I just want to enjoy the moment and give my best.”

Zverev Seeks Long-Awaited Grand Slam Glory

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Alexander Zverev, once touted as a future Grand Slam champion in his younger years, is still searching for his first major title. The 27-year-old German has come agonisingly close on multiple occasions, including last year’s French Open final, where he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz despite leading by two sets to one.

Zverev also suffered heartbreak in the 2020 US Open final, where he squandered a two-set advantage against Dominic Thiem. Despite his immense talent—boasting a powerful serve and one of the best two-handed backhands in the game—he has often been criticised for faltering under pressure.

Having faced relentless competition from the likes of Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal in the past, Zverev now finds himself up against the new generation, led by Sinner and Alcaraz. Learning from his physical struggles in previous five-set battles, he has re-enlisted fitness coach Jez Green to boost his endurance in high-intensity matches.

Zverev enters the final with the benefit of extra rest after Djokovic was forced to retire with an injury in their semi-final clash. The German also holds a 4-2 winning record over Sinner, including hardcourt victories at the 2021 and 2023 US Opens. However, Sinner claimed the most recent encounter between the two at last year’s Cincinnati Masters, where he was virtually untouchable.

Zverev acknowledges the challenge ahead but remains optimistic:

“My goal is still to compete with the top guys and try to win these kinds of tournaments,” he said. “I feel like I’ve done the work and I’m ready for it.”

With Sinner’s power and precision posing a formidable challenge, Zverev’s best shot at victory may lie in prolonging rallies and taking the match deep, where his serve could prove decisive in tiebreak situations.

Sunday’s Order of Play

Rod Laver Arena (Local Times)

  • 16:00 – Women’s Doubles Final:
    Katerina Siniakova / Taylor Townsend vs. Hsieh Su-Wei / Jelena Ostapenko
  • 19:30 – Men’s Singles Final:
    Jannik Sinner (1) vs. Alexander Zverev (2)

The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Australian Open, with Sinner aiming to cement his place among the game’s greats and Zverev hoping to finally capture that elusive first Grand Slam crown.

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