MELBOURNE — In the wake of Jannik Sinner’s remarkable triumph at the Australian Open, earning him his second consecutive title and third Grand Slam overall, the accolades pouring in have been numerous. However, nothing resonated more profoundly than the insight offered by runner-up Alexander Zverev.
Zverev drew a striking parallel between competing against Sinner and facing a legendary figure in the sport—24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic—particularly on hard courts.
“Playing him is very reminiscent of what it’s like to contend with Novak when he’s at his peak. They hardly miss a shot. You feel compelled to overhit just to remain competitive in rallies,” Zverev reflected after his defeat to Sinner, with the final score reading 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 at Melbourne Park.
“It’s incredibly challenging to win points from the back against both him and Novak,” added Zverev, who currently holds the No. 2 ranking but felt a significant gap existed between him and top-ranked Sinner within the iconic Rod Laver Arena. “Both possess exceptional movement. They dominate the baseline, leaving little room or time for opponents.”
At just 23 years of age, Sinner still trails far behind Djokovic’s extensive achievements at 37.
Much like Djokovic’s own journey, which faced stiff competition from icons Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, Sinner is not navigating this new generation of tennis alone. His closest rival is none other than Carlos Alcaraz, who boasts four Grand Slam titles at the age of 21, having defeated Sinner in all three encounters in 2024.
Yet, watching Sinner solidify his major finals record to an impressive 3-0—highlighted by his U.S. Open title last September—invokes thoughts of Djokovic.
What makes Jannik Sinner reminiscent of Novak Djokovic?
It’s his relentless court coverage—the squeak of his sneakers as he dashes, stretches, and slides to retrieve shots that many players would miss. His prowess in transitioning from defense to offense in mere moments, coupled with the instinctual ability to counter even the strongest serves, exemplifies his skill.
When you consider all of this—along with a serve that kept Zverev from breaking him—Sinner emerges as an imposing force on the court.
These Djokovic-like attributes aren’t mere coincidence.
Originating from Italy, Sinner has long admired the Serbian champion.
“In terms of playing style, I’ve always looked up to him—wanting to understand how he copes with pressure during crucial moments,” Sinner explained. “While I believe we are distinct players, we undoubtedly share some similarities, like striking the ball cleanly from the baseline and possessing good movement along with a keen sense of where the opponent is likely to place their shots.”
The rapid evolution of Sinner’s game in recent years is evident.
His ascent to the top of the rankings last June is a testament to this progress, and his remarkable record of 80-6 with nine titles since last season underscores his dominance. Opponents now view him as one of the toughest competitors on the circuit.
Prior to Sunday, Zverev held a 4-2 advantage over Sinner, boasting victories at the U.S. Open in both 2021 and 2023.
So, what has changed for Sinner since those encounters?
“His serving is superior. His returning is sharper. His forehand and backhand have improved significantly. His movement and volleys are more refined as well. Honestly, he’s elevated every aspect of his game,” Zverev remarked. “When I played him before, I felt in control during rallies. Now, it’s like facing prime Novak—breaking through his defenses is incredibly challenging.”
Looking ahead, Sinner aims to enhance his performance on clay and grass courts, gearing up for the French Open and Wimbledon. Before the action begins at Roland Garros in May, Sinner has a hearing in April regarding the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal related to a prior ruling that cleared him in a doping investigation.
“Right now, I’m not focused on that,” Sinner shared. “Sure, there are days when I think, ‘I wish this wasn’t an issue.’”
Nonetheless, Sinner and his coaching team are dedicated to enhancing his game.
“He’s still young… You can never predict the future, but he’s someone who strives to get better every day—whether it’s during practice or adding new elements to his game,” Vagnozzi stated. “He’s definitely among the players capable of reaching the pinnacle of the sport, standing alongside legends like Novak, Roger, and Rafa.”