Jannik Sinner does it again! He is the Australian Open champion as he successfully defended his title by defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final. However, his victory got only bigger and better, as he crossed an extraordinary milestone on his way to the trophy. Over the last 2 decades, the Big 3 (Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal) have established their supremacy by breaking and creating multiple records. But, Jannik Sinner, while playing in the final overtook one of their records and created his own legacy.

Roger Federer held the record for the most consecutive sets won against top-10 opponents in this century, with 20 sets between 2006 and 2007. Jannik Sinner, before entering the final had won 19 consecutive sets against top-10 players. To match Federer’s record, Sinner needed to win just one more set and to surpass him, he needed to win two consecutive sets in the Australian Open final. And guess what? Sinner ended up winning three straight sets against Zverev, sealing the match 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

The much-anticipated final at Rod Laver Arena witnessed Sinner take a step towards making history. The defending champion won the first set against Alexander Zverev with amazing ball striking. Both players showed their serving skills as well. However, Sinner proved his ability to perform under pressure and overcame Zverev’s serve in the eighth game of the first set.

After winning the set 6-3, Sinner leveled Roger Federer. Later, he showed his dominance by clinching the second set 7-6 as well. With 21 consecutive sets, he etched his name in history books, surpassing Federer. As far as Federer’s rivals Rafael Nadal and Noval Djokovic are concerned, they have 18 and 17 consecutive sets wins to their name against top 10 players and Sinner had already surpassed them before the final.

The 23-year-old, aiming for his third Grand Slam and second Australian Open title, clinched the third set 6-3 to defend his title. He was crowned in Melbourne last year as well, defeating Daniil Medvedev in the final. Meanwhile, the other finalist Alexander Zverev, who was battling for his first Grand Slam title, will have to wait for more. Having lost two previous Slam finals, the 2020 US Open and the 2024 French Open, this adds to Zverev’s disappointment.

This Australian Open final was a battle for legacy. Sinner registered his name alongside Federer in the record books, while Zverev, who was seeking redemption and glory, couldn’t succeed.

While Sinner broke Federer’s record of winning most consecutive sets against the top 10 players, he has matched another record of the Swiss maestro in the past.

Jannik Sinner did something in 2024 that only Roger Federer could do

Jannik Sinner climbed to the World No. 1 position in the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time last year. He won eight titles, including his first two Grand Slam trophies. One of his most impressive achievements was completing the year without losing a single match in straight sets.

This rare feat has only been achieved once before in the Open Era, by tennis legend Roger Federer. Sinner played 79 matches last year, finishing with a 73-6 win-loss record and a fantastic 92% winning percentage. After winning the Nitto ATP Finals, his eighth title of the year, Sinner shared his thoughts: “My goal was to understand what I can achieve this year. There was no specific goal of winning a Grand Slam or being No. 1 or whatever. It’s going to be the same next year: Whatever we can catch, we take, and the rest we learn.”

A comparison with Federer’s 2005 season shows how impressive Sinner’s 2024 was. While Federer ended 2005 with a win-loss record of 81-4 with 11 titles, Sinner performed better against top-10 players, with an 18-5 record compared to Federer’s 15-2. Sinner was simply unstoppable last season. With a lot more ahead of him, he would be looking to carry forward his momentum.