Alexander ‘Sascha’ Zverev is two sets down to Jannik Sinner for the Australian Open title clash and things aren’t getting better for him. Despite a remarkable show of strength against the top seed, the German star couldn’t capitalize on the tune-changing moments and his frustrations boiled to the summit. He vents out those embroiling emotions but, unfortunately, luck seems to be siding with the Italian player.

From the get-go, Sinner went hard at the German sensation with his precise shot-making skills. With plans to force Sascha into a marry-go-round trip around the Rod Laver Arena, Sinner held his ground to gain a one-set lead after breaking his title decider rival on 4-3. However, fans saw a quick change in pace in the second set when Zverev tried to level with the Italian’s consistency but, it wasn’t long before he flipped the match on its head, provoking the German to burst into rage.

With every power-packed shot from Zverev came the top seed’s added interest to the ball. When it mattered the most on crucial points, the German player took things on the back foot and produced some laudable defence skills but, it only gave Sinner an opening to conclude the second set with a gruelling tiebreak clash. Irked with the results, despite delivering his best on-court, Sascha walked to his sitting area and threw in racket in rage multiple times on his racket kit.

The only good news is that he did not technically break any code violations – seeing as players can be fined only when the racket abuse is done on the court, and not against players’ personal equipment. Moreover, Zverev composed himself before he had a chance to melt his racket during the testing time.

However, his valiant efforts were to no avail. The World No. 2 lost another chance to clinch his maiden Slam win as Sinner outhit him in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3, to successfully defend his Melbourne title and add a third Major to his resume.

In the aftermath, the Italian sensation comforted his final-round opponent at the Rod Laver Cup.

Jannik Sinner consoles emotional Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open

Finishing runner-up is never easy and for German superstar Alexander Zverev, the 2025 Australian Open final loss wasn’t his first rodeo. Upsetting, but his potential hasn’t lived up to its full strength on the tour.

Sascha has always found himself in the background of the champions’ celebration ceremony after ending finalist at three Majors, namely the 2020 US Open, the 2024 French Open, and now, the 2025 Australian Open. Naturally, he was inconsolable in the aftermath of the summit clash at Melbourne Park.

However, that is when Jannik Sinner stepped in to uplift the German player by offering him a comforting shoulder moments before the duo addressed the crowd during the customary award presentation ceremony. A truly classy show of impressive sportsmanship and, the top seed’s invaluable gesture didn’t go unnoticed by fans as the clip of him consoling Zverev later surfaced on social media platforms.

For now, Sascha will have to bear the burden of the unfortunate defeat. Emotions surrounding his two weeks of hard work, not ending in his favour, will take time to simmer and put in the rearview mirror before he can take on the court once again.