Only small comfort for Zverev after winner Sinner gesture

Beaten Australian Open finalist Alexander Zverev said his final thrashing at the hands of Jannik Sinner showed the sharp difference in his game versus that of the world No. 1.

And the second-ranked German added that he could only take small comfort from private kind words uttered by his rival during the trophy ceremony.

“I was quite emotional at that stage, I think he saw that. He said that I will definitely lift one of those trophies in my career. I’m too good not to. That’s his words.”

Zverev said the heartbreak of losing his third Grand Slam final since 2020 will sting.

“I really went in the final and also the preparation today, I really thought I had a very good chance because I was feeling good. I was feeling the ball quite well. I
was feeling like I can compete

“So it was just a difficult moment for me. I mean, now for the third time, seeing somebody lift the trophy, me standing next to that is difficult because there’s nothing more I want than to be able to hold one of those trophies
in my hands.”

The German said he was completely dismantled by the stylish Italian on the day.

“I’m doing everything I can. I’m working as hard as I ever did. I think I’m doing all the right things off-court. 

“I think I’m practising the right things, but I lost in straight sets – those are the facts.. I lost to Jannik in straight sets today.”

He added: “I mean, I don’t want to end my career as the best player of all time to never win a Grand Slam, that’s for sure. 

“I’ll keep doing everything I can to lift one of those trophies.”

Main photo:- A dejected Alexander Zverev at his chair after defeat in AO final – by ISF Ltd