The stage is all set as it is the Australian Open Final and Jannik Sinner, who is the defending champion will be looking to retain his title and defeat Alexander Zverev. On the other hand, the German superstar, who is yet to bag a grand slam title to his name will look to emulate the heroics of Madison Keys (who won her first grand slam yesterday). But, what do the stats say about the two?

Alexander Zverev vs Jannik Sinner: Preview

Sinner began his title defense with a commanding 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5), 6-1 victory over Nicolas Jarry. In the second round, he showed resilience by rallying from a set down to defeat Tristan Schoolkate in four sets. Against Marcos Giron in the third round, Sinner displayed his dominance with a straight-sets victory.

The fourth round saw him face a tough challenge against 13th seed Holger Rune, where he needed four sets to secure the win. Sinner then dismantled eighth seed Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals, losing just six games in a 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 masterclass.

In the semifinals, Sinner met 21st seed Ben Shelton, a familiar rival. A tightly contested opening set ended in Sinner’s favor after a clinical tie-break. From there, he raised his level, breaking Shelton’s serve twice in each of the next two sets to claim a 7-6 (2), 6-2, 6-2 victory. This win marked Sinner’s second consecutive final at the venue.

On the other hand, Alexander Zverev cruised through his early rounds with straight-set wins over Lucas Pouille, Pedro Martinez, and Jacob Fearnley. In the fourth round, he faced a stiffer test against 14th seed Ugo Humbert but prevailed 6-1, 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.

In the quarterfinals, Zverev encountered 12th seed Tommy Paul. The German triumphed in a match dominated by tie-breaks, winning 7-6 (1), 7-6 (0), 2-6, 6-1 to advance to the semifinals.

The much-anticipated semifinal against 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic ended abruptly. Djokovic, dealing with an injury, retired after losing the first-set tie-break. While Zverev’s advancement to his first final at this venue came under unexpected circumstances, he has shown strong form throughout the tournament.

Both players have endured different paths to reach the final, with Sinner showing his aggressive baseline game and resilience, while Zverev capitalized on his big serve and solid defense. With both players in strong form, this final promises to be a thrilling showdown.

Zverev vs Sinner: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats between the two players, Alexander Zverev has been a clear winner. Out of the 6 encounters that the two have played, Zverev leads with a healthy 4-2 advantage. The first encounter was back in 2020 at the Roland Garros which Sinner won. Their most recent encounter was at the Cincinnati Masters last year where Sinner won once again.

Prediction: Jannik Sinner to claim his title defense in a tough battle against Alexander Zverev

Jannik Sinner has been in unstoppable form, particularly on hard courts. On the surface, he has won 61 of his last 64 matches, showcasing his dominance as a complete player. Sinner’s forehand allows him to dictate rallies, his serve is precise, and his aggressive returns keep opponents under constant pressure. Additionally, he has gained valuable experience in Grand Slam finals, winning both the 2024 Australian Open and the US Open. With a nine-match winning streak against top-10 players, all in straight sets, Sinner confidently enters this final brimming.

Sinner’s primary concern is his physical durability. Despite his impressive transformation into a “winning machine,” his history of health-related setbacks remains a question mark. His grueling semifinal match against Holger Rune may have taken a toll, raising doubts about his ability to sustain peak performance in a long battle.

Alexander Zverev comes into the final with a significant advantage in terms of physical freshness. Thanks to Novak Djokovic’s mid-match retirement and a less demanding path overall, Zverev has spent considerably less time on court. His big first serve and defensive skills can be effective weapons against Sinner’s aggressive baseline game. If Zverev serves at a high percentage, he could disrupt Sinner’s rhythm and keep the match competitive.

Zverev’s struggles in Grand Slam finals are well-documented. Having lost two finals in heartbreaking fashion, overcoming this mental block will be crucial for his chances. Additionally, his record against top-10 opponents in Grand Slam matches is concerning, with losses in 16 of his last 20 encounters. Consistency against elite players on the biggest stage remains a hurdle for Zverev.

Sinner’s endurance could be tested if Zverev extends the match. The German’s fresher legs may become a key advantage in a long, grueling contest. On the other hand, Zverev’s ability to serve efficiently and minimize double faults will be crucial. A strong serving performance could help him neutralize Sinner’s aggression. While Zverev’s struggles in Grand Slam finals are well-known, Sinner’s recent success in big matches gives him the psychological edge. Sinner’s relentless baseline game will test Zverev’s defense. However, Zverev’s ability to redirect pace and force Sinner into errors could play a pivotal role.

Prediction: This final has the potential to be a classic, featuring the tour’s most consistent performer against a talented yet enigmatic player. Zverev’s fresher legs and defensive skills give him a chance, especially if the match goes the distance. However, Sinner’s superior form, mental toughness, and ability to thrive in big moments make him the favorite. Expect Sinner to prevail in a hard-fought battle.