Jannik Sinner scoops record prize money as tennis star beats Alexander Zverev to win Australian Open
WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Jannik Sinner wins Australian Open
Jannik Sinner proved he's the best men's tennis player on the world on Sunday, with the 23-year-old beating Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win the Australian Open for the second year in a row.
The Italian has been nothing short of sensational over the past 12 months, having risen to No 1 in the world rankings.
And Sinner produced a masterclass on Sunday as he crushed Zverev to win his third Grand Slam title.
The tennis star has banked £1,752,853 in prize money following his remarkable triumph, with his opponent poised to walk away with £951,549.
Jannik Sinner proved he's the best men's tennis player on the world on Sunday, with the 23-year-old beating Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win the Australian Open for the second year in a row
REUTERS
Zverev had performed well on his way to the final and had a slight advantage due to having some more time to rest and recover.
The German had benefitted from Novak Djokovic's withdrawal on Friday, with the Serb quitting after losing the first set in their semi-final clash.
In the early stages of Sunday's match, Zverev was able to keep pace with Sinner. He looked comfortable on the big stage, despite the quality of the man on the opposite side of the net.
JUST IN:Darts star admits he's 'annoyed' after being accused of 'weird' behaviour towards Luke Littler
But that all changed at 4-3, with Sinner able to finally break his rival's resolve to extend his lead to 5-3.
He was then able to close out the set convincingly, drawing first blood in the process.
The second set was thrilling to watch. Zverev, refusing to throw in the towel, matched his opponent every step of the way with a tie-break ultimately needed to separate the pair.
READ MORE: Tony Bellew issues direct challenge to Tyson Fury after retirement with Anthony Joshua message
Once again, it was close. However, at 4-4, Sinner was able to creep in front and he was able to secure the second set - riling Zverev in the process.
The 27-year-old, who has never won a major, responded by furiously smashing his racket into his bag.
With Sinner two sets up and cruising, it was going to take something special for Zverev to get back into the match and give fans at the Rod Laver Arena the long, five-set epic they craved.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Alexander Zverev was no match for Jannik Sinner in Sunday's Australian Open final
REUTERS
However, with Sinner absolutely imperious on his own serve, he was able to close the match out and win 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3 to etch his name into the history books once again.
The Italian now has three Grand Slam titles to his name and, with the first major of 2025 now over, he looks the man to beat.
Yes, Carlos Alcaraz is world-class as well. And yes, Djokovic did enough this winter to prove he's still got what it takes to challenge the very best players at the age of 37.
Jannik Sinner was imperious as he battled past Alexander Zverev to win the Australian Open and his third Grand Slam title on Sunday
REUTERS
But Sinner, as world No 1 and now a three-time Grand Slam winner, seems to be the main man of the current crop.
And whether he can build on this with more victories at the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open later in the year remains to be seen.
You may like
