Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open final as the World No 1 bids for back-to-back men’s singles titles in Melbourne.
Sinner, 23, won his first grand slam at the Australian Open last year when he came from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev and the Italian has since underlined his status as the best player in the world.
Zverev progressed to a first Australian Open final after an injured Novak Djokovic dramatically retired from their semi-final on Friday, but the German is a strong contender to win his first grand slam.
The big-serving 27-year-old has the advantage of playing just 82 minutes against Djokovic, while Sinner needed much longer to defeat Ben Shelton and did not finish his semi-final until after midnight local time.
Zverev has lost his two previous grand slam final appearances while Sinner is on a 20-match winning streak at the hard court grand slams. But Zverev was the last player to beat him, at the US Open in 2023.
Follow the latest updates from the Australian Open final in our live blog below:
Jannik Sinner v Alexander Zverev: Australian Open final latest updates
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Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev in Australian Open final, from 8:30am GMT
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World No 1 Sinner defends last year’s title and aims for third grand slam win
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Zverev out to claim first grand slam triumph after two previous final defeats
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Second seed Zverev advanced after Novak Djokovic retired injured in semi-finals
Sinner vs Zverev: Australian Open final updates
08:36 , Jamie Braidwood
Here we go! Alexander Zverev stands tall in the tunnel, as Jannik Sinner does some sprints from side to side behind him. Almost ready to step out onto the Rod Laver Arena!
In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.
Sinner vs Zverev: Australian Open final updates
08:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Contrasting emotions of grand slam finals
Jannik Sinner, 23, and Alexander Zverev, 27, are both playing in their third grand slam final today.
The big difference is Sinner already has two titles and Zverev is regarded as the best player in the world without one.
Sinner won his first grand slam 12 months ago when he defeated Daniil Medvedev from two sets down in the Australian Open final, before then destroying Taylor Fritz in the US Open final.
Zverev stood two points away from a grand slam triumph almost five years ago at the US Open, but lost from two sets up against Dominic Thiem.
He then lost his second grand slam final against Carlos Alcaraz last June, also from a winning position in the French Open final.
Sinner vs Zverev: Australian Open final updates
08:20 , Jamie Braidwood
What has Jannik Sinner said about Alexander Zverev?
“Very tough match. We had some very tough matches in the past. He is an incredible player and is looking for his first major. There is going to be a lot of tension but I’m happy to put myself in this position, Sundays are special days at tournaments. I’m going to enjoy it. Hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”
What has Alexander Zverev said about Jannik Sinner?
“I think Jannik has been the best player in the world for the past 12 months. There’s no doubt about it. Won two Grand Slams. Has been very, very stable in those regards. So definitely one of the best players in the world.”
Jannik Sinner’s route to Australian Open final
08:10 , Jamie Braidwood
R1: Nicolas Jarry, 7-6 7-6 6-1
R2: Tristan Schoolkate, 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-3
R3: Marcos Giron, 6-3 6-4 6-2
R4: Holger Rune (13), 6-3 3-6 6-3 6-2
QF: Alex de Minaur (8), 6-3 6-2 6-1
SF: Ben Shelton (21), 7-6 6-2 6-2
Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev head-to-head
08:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev’s route to Australian Open final
R1: Lucas Pouille, 6-4 6-4 6-4
R2: Pedro Martinez, 6-1 6-4 6-1
R3: Jacob Fearnley, 6-3 6-4 6-4
R4: Ugo Humbert (14), 6-1 2-6 6-3 6-2
QF: Tommy Paul (12), 7-6 7-6 2-6 6-1
SF: Novak Djokovic (7), 7-6 ret.
Novak Djokovic ‘liked his chances’ of winning Australian Open
07:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic said he “liked his chances” of reaching the Australian Open final if he was physically fit and says he now wants Alexander Zverev to lift his first grand slam title.
“I actually thought I played really well, as well as I played the last 12 months, to be honest,” Djokovic said.
“Of course, it was never going to be an easy battle, an easy match for me. Neither it was for Sascha, even if I was not injured.
“But as I said, I think I was striking the ball very well. A lot of positives to take in terms of how I reached the semi-finals. It’s a very good result considering the circumstances.
“But it’s not satisfying to me, for my standards. I always look for the highest goal, to reach the finals and fight for a trophy.”
Sinner vs Zverev: Australian Open final updates
07:30 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner is bidding to back up last year’s first grand slam triumph and the Italian is on a 20-match winning run at the hard-court grand slams having won the Australian Open and US Open titles last season and now reaching another major final.
The last player to beat Sinner at either the Australian Open or US Open was Alexander Zverev, after the German won a five-setter at Flushing Meadows in 2023. Zverev has won four of the six matches he has played against Sinner.
“Very tough match,” the Italian said after beating Ben Shelton in the semi-finals.
“We had some very tough matches in the past. He is an incredible player and is looking for his first major. There is going to be a lot of tension but I’m happy to put myself in this position. I’m going to enjoy it. Hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”
Novak Djokovic declares Australian Open final favourite: ‘I’ll be cheering for him’
07:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Novak Djokovic has declared Alexander Zverev as his favourite for the Australian Open despite the German facing defending champion Jannik Sinner in the final.
Zverev progressed to his first Australian Open final after Djokovic retired injured following their semi-final on Friday, with the 10-time champion struggling with a torn muscle in his upper left leg.
Zverev is bidding to win his first grand slam title after defeats to Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final and Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 French Open final and Djokovic said the 27-year-old “deserves” his breakthrough major win.
Zverev told the Australian Open crowd to be more “respectful” after Djokovic was booed by some sections of the crowd following his abrupt retirement from the semi-final.
Djokovic said he “liked his chances” of beating Zverev if he was fully fit but the 37-year-old was full of praise for the second seed after he advanced to the final.
“I wish Sascha all the best,” Djokovic said. “He deserves his first slam. I’ll be cheering for him. Hopefully he can get it.”
Alexander Zverev tells off crowd in display of sportsmanship
07:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Alexander Zverev spoke up for Novak Djokovic after his decision to retire from his semi-final after the first set was booed by sections of the Rod Laver Arena crowd.
“The very first thing I want to say is please don’t boo a player when he goes out injured,” said Zverev, who was forced to retire from a French Open semi-final against Rafael Nadal after tearing ankle ligaments three years ago.
“I know that everybody paid for tickets and wants to see a five-set match but you have got to understand Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything in his life.
“He has won his tournament with an abdominal tear, won this tournament with a hamstring tear, if he feels he cannot continue a tennis match, he cannot continue a tennis match. So please guys, be respectful. Show some love for Novak as well.”
Jannik Sinner on mentality after reaching second Australian Open semi-final
06:45 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner was asked if he ever feels “unbeatable” after reaching a second Australian Open final and extending his winning run at the hard-court grand slams to 20 matches.
“No,” he replied. “I know that I put a lot of work in. I know I just try to stay calm, never taking things as granted. Just well-prepared, to be honest.
“I had a tough off-season. We tried to put a lot of work in there. Every day it’s a routine to get better. That’s it.
“[World No 1] is obviously it’s a great position to be in. Back of my head I also know that I’m 23 years old, and I am not perfect, no?
“I know that I have things still to improve. I have certain areas where I can get better. That’s why we work for, no?
“Every day is a big challenge. Every day you have a different opponent. You try to understand what’s happening.
“Sometimes you have some issues and then trying to understand that whatever works best for that day and trying to go for it, no? Everyone makes mistakes, no? Nobody’s perfect.”
Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev head-to-head
06:30 , Jamie Braidwood
2024: Cincinnati, semi-final, hard court: Sinner won 7-6 5-7 7-6
2023: US Open, round of 16, hard court: Zverev won 6-4 3-6 6-2 4-6 6-3
2022: Monte Carlo, quarter-final, clay: Zverev won 5-7 6-3 7-6
2021: US Open, round of 16, hard court: Zverev won 6-4 6-4 7-6
2020: Cologne, semi-final, hard court: Zverev won 7-6 6-3
2020: French Open, round of 16, clay Sinner won 6-3 6-4 4-6 6-3
Aryna Sabalenka smashes racket after Australian Open final defeat to Madison Keys
06:18 , Jamie Braidwood
Aryna Sabalenka was unable to hide her frustration after losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys as the World No 1 smashed up her racket following the handshake at the net.
Sabalenka, 26, was bidding to win her fourth grand slam title and third Australian Open in a row but was stunned by Keys, who capped a sensational run with her first major title at the age of 29.
With the final heading towards a match tiebreak, Keys managed to break Sabalenka’s serve to win a thrilling final 6-3 2-6 7-5, with the American landing a forehand winner on match point.
Aryna Sabalenka smashes racket after Australian Open final defeat to Madison Keys
How Madison Keys overcame the doubts to finally achieve grand slam breakthrough
06:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Madison Keys dethroned Aryna Sabalenka to become the oldest first-time winner of the women’s singles title at the Australian Open.
World number one Sabalenka was bidding to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in the late 1990s to win three straight titles at Melbourne Park.
But American Keys, who seemed destined never to achieve the grand slam title that had been predicted when she turned professional aged only 14, followed up her upset of second seed Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals by claiming a 6-3 2-6 7-5 victory.
How Madison Keys overcame the doubts to finally achieve grand slam breakthrough
Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev head-to-head
06:15 , Jamie Braidwood
Despite his World No 1 ranking, Jannik Sinner trails the head-to-head to Alexander Zverev with the German winning four of their six previous meetings.
While Sinner was the victor the last time they played – in three tight sets in the Cincinnati semi-finals last year – Zverev has won the previous four, including in the last-16 of the US Open in 2023.
That five-set match was the last time Sinner lost a grand slam match on a hard court, with the Italian winning the Australian Open and US Open titles in 2024.
Sinner vs Zverev: Australian Open final updates
06:01 , Jamie Braidwood
When is Jannik Sinner vs Alexander Zverev?
The Australian Open men’s final will begin just after 8:30am GMT (UK time) on Sunday 26 January.
How can I watch the Australian Open?
In the UK, the Australian Open will be broadcast live on Eurosport. Subscribers can also stream the action online on the Eurosport website or with the discovery+ app.
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Good morning
06:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open final as the World No 1 bids for back-to-back men’s singles titles in Melbourne.
Sinner won his first grand slam at the Australian Open 12 months ago when he came from two sets down to defeat Daniil Medvedev and the Italian has since underlined his status as the best player in the world.
Zverev progressed to a first Australian Open final after an injured Novak Djokovic dramatically retired from their semi-final on Friday, but the German has backed up his position of World No 2 and is a strong contender to win his first grand slam.
The big-serving 27-year-old has the advantage of playing just 82 minutes against Djokovic, while Sinner needed much longer to defeat Ben Shelton and did not finish his semi-final until after midnight local time.
Zverev, though, has his demons in grand slam finals, losing the US Open final from two sets up to Dominic Thiem in 2020 and the French Open final from two sets to one up against Carlos Alcaraz last June.
Sinner, 23, has won 13 matches in a row at Melbourne Park and now has the chance to add his third grand slam title, after also winning the US Open last September
