“I don’t want to end my career as the best player to never win a Grand Slam.” These were the dejected words of Alexander Zverev after another missed opportunity to claim a Major title. On Sunday at Rod Laver Arena, the German fell short in the Australian Open final against World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, particularly in the second set, where he pushed the Italian to a tense tie-break, Zverev couldn’t halt Sinner’s relentless form.

Meanwhile, Sinner clinched his second consecutive Australian Open title with a commanding 6-4, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory, extending his remarkable unbeaten streak on hard courts. The triumph marked his third straight Major victory on the surface following his US Open win in September. Meanwhile, for Zverev, the defeat left him visibly anguished, searching for answers yet again.

Former German player Andrea Petkovic shed light on a critical moment in the final during an episode of the Rennae Stubbs Podcast on January 27. While she praised Sinner’s dominance, she highlighted a pivotal point in the second-set tie-break that seemed to derail Zverev’s confidence. At 4-4 in the tie-break, Zverev unleashed a strong serve, setting up what appeared to be a decisive advantage. However, Sinner responded with a blistering forehand return. Initially, it seemed the ball would sail out, but it clipped the net cord and dropped perfectly into the court—just out of Zverev’s reach. The point went to Sinner, leaving Zverev visibly shaken.

Petkovic reflected on this moment, saying, “Zverev was unlucky. He probably would’ve had it because it was such a tight forehand from Jannik.” She described how this stroke of misfortune crushed Zverev’s mindset. “I’m not saying one point decides the whole match, but you could just see in this moment, Zverev’s psychology was crushed. It felt like, ‘everything is against me again.'”

And as we know, it was the case indeed with Sinner taking the trophy after having a score line of 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. While he won his fourth Slam in total, his opponent is still having none. And the World No.1 knew what winning a maiden Major meant to Zverev. After his victory, the Italian didn’t forget to console him while uplifting his spirits.

What did Jannik Sinner say about Alexander Zverev after their finale?

Sunday’s final loss was a heartbreaking moment for Alexander Zverev for multiple reasons. It marked the third time he came agonizingly close to achieving his Grand Slam dream, only to fall short. Zverev’s first Grand Slam final appearance was at the 2020 US Open, where he suffered a painful defeat to Dominic Thiem. After taking a commanding two-set lead, Zverev was unable to close out the match, eventually losing 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6.

Four years later, in 2024, he found himself in another final—this time at Roland Garros. Facing former World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, Zverev initially appeared in control, leading after three sets. However, the Spaniard mounted an incredible comeback to win 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2, denying Zverev yet again. Given this history, it was no surprise to see Zverev visibly emotional after the 2025 Australian Open final.

In a touching display of sportsmanship, the World No.1 approached him after the match to console him. Sinner, who claimed his second consecutive Australian Open title, also offered a heartfelt message of encouragement during the trophy presentation. “A tough day for you and your whole team, your family. You have an incredible team behind you, Sinner said, addressing Zverev directly. You are an amazing player. Keep believing in yourself because I think we all players and everyone involved in this sport knows how strong you are as a player but also as a person, so keep it up, and keep working hard. We all believe that you can lift this (AO title) very soon. (I) Wish you only the best.”

Sinner’s words of encouragement are sure to serve as motivation for Zverev as he continues his quest for a maiden Grand Slam title. With three Majors still to come this season—Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open—it will be fascinating to see if the German can finally turn his Grand Slam dream into reality. Do you think Zverev will win his first Major before the end of 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!