Jannik Sinner retained his Australian Open title after demolishing Alexander Zverev in straight sets at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
The world No 1 was never required to hit top gear against the German second seed who never looked like making it third time lucky in Grand Slam finals.
For ice-cool Sinner, it was a clinical performance to secure major No 3, having won his first Slam in Melbourne last year before following that up with victory at the US Open.
Apart from being taken to a tiebreak in the second set, the Italian always looked in control before eventually completing a 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 win on Rod Laver Arena.
It means Sinner has joined an illustrious list of players who have successfully defended their Melbourne title this century alongside Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.
It is also the 23-year-old's 19th career title, stretching his win-streak to an impressive 21 matches.
Sinner admitted this win felt “very different” to last year's victory. “Coming here as defending the title is always different,” he said.
“There is the extra pressure but I enjoy it. In finals the pressure is different. It is a tough day for Sascha [Zverev]. He was a bit down and I tried to keep him up, but it's tough.
“I'm very happy, my team, we know how much we worked for this one. I felt like I started the match really well, the second set could have gone both ways. Then in the third set I tried to search for the break. I served very well today and I'm happy.
“I do struggle sometimes inside. In tennis you have days you feel worse but every day can be different.
“In my mind I know I am well prepared for tough battles and I have shown this in these two weeks.”
The fact Sinner has maintained this red-hot form is all the more remarkable considering that the shadow of a potential doping ban remains hanging over his head.
Last year, he tested positive in two separate drug tests but the decision by the International Tennis Integrity Agency to absolve Sinner of any blame has been challenged by the World Anti-Doping Agency.
Wada have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and are looking to have Sinner banned for between one to two years. The arguments will be heard at a closed hearing on April 16-17 at CAS headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
But for now, Sinner can put that to the back of his mind and savour his latest hard-court triumph.
It was a final somewhat lacking in quality and excitement, Sinner took the first set in 46 minutes after breaking Zverev in the eighth game.
A huge slice of luck in the crucial second set all but ended the German's resistance in the match and his hopes of winning a first Grand Slam title.
With the score at 4-4 in the tiebreak, a Sinner shot clipped the net cord before dropping over into Zverev's side sealing the vital point.
Sinner held his hands up in apology but showed his ruthless streak to secure the next to points and the set, leaving Zverev smashing his racquet on the ground in frustration at the changeover.
The 27-year-old never regained his composure with Sinner breaking for 4-2 before going on to complete victory in two hours and 42 minutes.
“First of all, I mean it sucks standing here next to this trophy and not being able to touch it,” said Zverev – who was also beaten in the 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open finals – on court.
“Congratulations to Jannik, you more than deserve it. You are the best player in the world by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today but you are just too good, it's as simple as that.
“I want to thank my team. We are trying to do all of the right work, I'm just not good enough – it is as simple as that!”
Sinner enjoyed a superlative run last year that saw him win eight titles, including those two Slams and the season-ending ATP Finals in Saudi Arabia.
He has not lost a match on hard courts at a Grand Slam since being beaten in the fourth round of the US Open in 2023 by Zverev, and has won 47 of his first 50 matches as world No 1, equalling the ATP record.
Judging by his dominance in Australia, he could well be set for an even more successful 2025, or a long spell on the sidelines if that CAS ruling does not go in his favour.
