Jannik Sinner Plays Alexander Zverev in Aussie Open Final
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January 24, 2025
Jannik Sinner will defend his Aussie Open title against Sascha Zverev in Melbourne on Sunday.
The Italian was limping at times towards the end of his semi-final – and that might give the German added hope of a maiden success.
American hot-shot Ben Shelton had set points to draw first blood. He squandered both.
The showman was then blown away in the tie-break – and couldn’t compete with the same intensity in sets two and three. Sinner ultimately triumphed 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2.
Jannik Sinner is the best around right now – but he has never won the greatest Grand Slam of them all. Can he take the title at Wimbledon 2025?
For now he’ll be focused on the Melbourne final. And he’ll feel relieved at seeing off Shelton’s threat after some tricky beginnings.
How did Jannik do it? ‘I don’t know. It was a very tough first set. I felt like he was not serving at his best today – and I think we both returned better than we served.
‘The first set is always important. It gives you a lot of confidence. There was a lot of tension for both of us. I was happy with the way I handled today. Happy to be back in the finals.’
Maybe Shelton should have studied his compatriot Madison Keys and how she beat the great Iga Swiatek against the odds in their women’s semi-final.
She never let up and never stopped believing. It was a relentless assault on her brilliant opponent. Shelton needed the same aggressive mindset – and should surely have served-and-volleyed more against Jannik.
Ben Shelton is still learning all the time and he will surely be a big star at Wimbledon 2025!
It makes us wonder what Ben could have achieved if he had hung in there a little longer this time around though – because Sinner was suffering physically.
He seemed to jar something when he landed from executing a smash. It looked as though his recent hip injury might have flared once more.
Jannik had another explanation. ‘There was a lot of tension today and I was suffering slightly from cramps. He was suffering a bit today in his legs too. These matches can go very long. I’m so happy to finish today in three.’
Zverev now has reason to believe that time could work in his favour on Sunday. The longer he can compete, the more chance he has.
Novak Djokovic had to retire after just a set in their semi-final – and you can read all about that in another blog. Those events mean Sascha is super fresh for the weekend.
Sinner knows his best game can still win the title. ‘I’m happy to be back in the finals and we’ll see what’s happening on Sunday.’
Jannik also wants to do it for his departing Aussie coach, Darren Cahill. ‘I’m happy to have my chance with Darren to make another final here. It means a lot to us.’
How does Sinner see the final? ‘Very tough match. We had some very tough matches in the past. Anything can happen.
‘He is an incredible player looking for his first major. Sunday is going to be very special and I’m going to enjoy it again. Hopefully it’s going to be a good match.’
Jannik Sinner against Alexander Zverev will make for an awesome match-up at Wimbledon 2025 too.
Will you come to Wimbledon 2025 and enjoy being part of Centre Court, as British royalty and Hollywood superstars rub shoulders?
Soak up the glamour and the history. Secure your tickets with us now – and then look forward to the big occasion.