Alexander Zverev hails Jannik Sinner as 'best player in the world by far' after Italian's second Australian Open crown

Alexander Zverev was magnanimous in defeat following a straight-sets defeat to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final. The Italian was simply too strong in Melbourne, and Zverev spoke openly about the gulf in class between Sinner and himself. This was Zverev's third Grand Slam final defeat after losing in last year's French Open final and in the US Open showpiece match in 2020.

Alexander Zverev described Jannik Sinner as the "best player in the world by far" after a straight-sets scoreline in the Australian Open final with the Italian again triumphant.

Sinner retained the trophy to claim his third Grand Slam singles title, becoming the first Italian to do so following a 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 victory.

Meanwhile, it was another near-miss for Zverev as he succumbed to a third defeat in as many Grand Slam finals.

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"It sucks standing here next to this thing [Australian Open trophy] and not being able to touch it, to be honest," said the German during the post-match presentations.

"But congratulations to Jannik, you deserve it. You are the best player in the world by far. I was hoping to be more of a competitor today, but you are too good, you really deserve it and congrats to your team too.

"You’ve done all the right things, all the work.

"I want to thank my team, we are trying to do all the right work, I’m just not good enough, it is as simple as that.

Watch moment 'worthy champion' Sinner seals second Australian Open title

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I really appreciate what everybody has done for the last few years, back from my ankle injury to world No. 2, back playing finals, and I wouldn’t be here without them.

"I want to thank the crowd, they have been nothing but amazing to me over the past two weeks. You guys pushed me through to the final.

"I really did think I had a chance but here I am. I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to lift this trophy, but I’ll keep coming back, I’ll keep trying, and I’ll see you guys next year."

Sinner tribute to retiring coach Cahill

'I felt your love' - Sinner thanks fans and team in Australian Open victory speech

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sinner paid tribute to his retiring coach Darren Cahill after emerging victorious in Melbourne, and offered some words of encouragement to Zverev.

He said: "First of all, I would like to start with Sascha [Zverev]. Again, a tough day for you, and not you only, your whole team. You are an amazing player. Keep believing in yourself.

"Everyone involved in the sport knows how strong you are, not only as a player but as a person. We all believe you can lift one of these, so keep it up. I wish you all the best."

Sinner confirmed that Cahill would leave his team at the end of the 2025 season, and the 23-year-old spoke warmly about their relationship.

"Talking about my team, we worked a lot to be in this position," Sinner said. "It’s a special feeling to share this moment with all of you.

Dominant Sinner seals second Melbourne crown - Australian Open highlights

Video credit: TNT Sports

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"It’s amazing to achieve these things, but mostly to share these things with you guys.

"Darren, it is maybe - I will try to convince you [to stay on] - your last Australian Open as a coach, so I’m happy to share this trophy with you.

"Everything started when I made my first change, and to Simone [Vagnozzi], I am very happy to have you out here, so thank you very much."

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Watch and stream the 2025 Australian Open final live on Eurosport and discovery+

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