Sinner struggles on the way to 2nd AO title success

Jannik Sinner had to work methodically to get past Alexander Zverev, with the Italian winning the Australian Open on Sunday for a second straight year and claiming his 21st victory in a row..

The world No. 1 kept the frustrated German winless in three Grand Slam finals with a 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory in two and three-quarter hours, lifting the 19th title of his career.

The Sinner team erupted in joy, with the player joining them for a group hug while Zverev buried his head in his hands after tossing his racquet onto his bag at the bench.

“The team worked really hard to be in this position,” Sinner said. “It’s an amazing moment to share this moment with them .

“This is the most special Grand Slam for me – especially if it keeps going like this. I felt the love from the crowd.”

Sinner had a kind word for his defeated opponent: “it’s a tough day for you and your team and family. But keep believing in yourself.

“I know how strong you are as a player and a person. we believe you can lift one of these (trophies) very very soon.”

.Sinner turned up the heat after taking a two-set-to-love lead with a winning second-set tiebreak

Sinner made his winning move midway through the third set, with Zverev sailing a return long to drop serve, 2-4.

The holder finished off his command performance as Zverev drove wide for a Sinner match point, with the top seed finishing with a drop shot and a stinging cross-court winner to claim victory.

“It sucks standing next to this trophy and not being able to touch it,” Zverv said. 

“Jannik is the best in the world by far – you deserve it.

“I was hoping I could be more competitive, but you are just too good. No one deserves this trophy more.

“All during the tournament the crowds pushed me through. I thought I had a chance in this final – but here I am.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lift the trophy, but I’ll come back and keep trying.”

Sinner claimed his third Grand Slam title in a year after also winning the US Open last September. he is the first Italian in history – man or woman – to complete a title treble at the majors.

Sinner and Zverev will remain one and two in the ATP rankings on Monday, with Carlos Alcaraz trailing third.

The Italian who came from two sets to love down here a year ago to beat Daniil Medvedev in the final, did not face a break point in his defeat of Zverev.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner lifts the Norman Brooks for the second consecutive year – by ISF Ltd