Why 'point extender' Sascha Zverev will want to make Australian Open final physical for 'patchy' Jannik Sinner

The top two seeds go head-to-head for Australian Open glory on Sunday when world No. 1 Jannik Sinner defends his crown against Alexander Zverev. The Italian had some physical issues with cramping during his semi-final win, and Eurosport expert Jim Courier has warned that Zverev is a "point extender" who will make sure "it's going to be physical". Watch the Australian Open final live on discovery+.

"Point extender" Alexander Zverev will ensure that the Australian Open final against defending champion Jannik Sinner is "going to be physical," according to Jim Courier.

The top two seeds go head-to-head for the men’s singles trophy in Melbourne on Sunday, with the two players coming off very different semi-final experiences.

Sinner struggled physically during his straight-sets win over Ben Shelton, but Courier insisted it was only cramp and said he does not believe the Italian is carrying an injury.

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Zverev, on the other hand, only played one set against Novak Djokovic before the 24-time major winner retired with injury.

Although Courier is not overly concerned about Sinner’s fitness, he does believe that the world No. 1 will have to be prepared for a physical onslaught against Zverev as the German aims to win his first major title.

"You’ve got to hope that (Sinner) is going to use the next couple of days to really refuel, rest up and make sure he’s ready to go," Courier said on Eurosport’s Australian Open coverage.

'I don't think it is an injury' - Courier on Sinner's cramping issue

Video credit: TNT Sports

"It’s going to be physical against Zverev. There’s no question about that, Sascha is a point extender.

"Last time they played in Cincinnati in the semi-finals it was 7-6 in the third, it was incredibly physical. Over three hours physical.

"You can imagine in best of five sets, this thing could be incredibly difficult. That’s going to be a big part of the storyline without question."

Laura Robson was impressed by the ease with which Sinner appeared to dismiss the threat of Shelton in their semi-final on Friday.

The former British No. 1 described the Italian’s form in Melbourne as "patchy," but pointed out that even that level is enough to beat most players on tour.

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"The scary thought is I don’t even think he’s played his best match of the tournament (against Shelton), and he’s still won in straight sets in just over two-and-a-half hours," Robson said.

"It is all you can ask for if you’re Jannik Sinner’s coach at the moment, to go into a match-up like this and spend as little time as possible out there ahead of Sunday’s final.

"I just never felt like it was going to get close. Every time Shelton got to 0-30 or had an inch to work with in the game, it didn’t feel like he was going to be able to convert that because of how good Jannik is point by point. He never gives you any freebies.  

'Patchy' Sinner backed to thrive in Australian Open final against Zverev

Video credit: TNT Sports

"There were times, especially in the third set, when Ben was trying to pump himself up, trying to lift the energy again, and he had chances. Then they slip away so quickly, that’s just the level of power and footwork and speed, just the ability to rush his opponents, that Sinner is bringing to the game these days.

"I think he probably played better a few days ago and he’s been patchy at times throughout the tournament, but his level of patchy is still 20 times better than most peoples’ level of tennis can ever be."

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Sinner expects mental and physical battle

Sinner agreed that the final will be a physical challenge when talking in a post-match press conference.

But the 23-year-old, who is aiming to win his third major title following triumphs in Melbourne and at the US Open last year, is also anticipating a battle of the minds.

"First of all, it's going to be mental, no? Of course, we played already sometimes," Sinner said.

"It's going to be a tough match for both of us. It's going to be physical, for sure.

Sinner excited to take on Zverev in final, pays tribute to Djokovic after injury

Video credit: SNTV

"I think he played some incredible tennis to get to the final. It's tough to say whoever is the favourite in a way because everything can happen."

Zverev spoke to the media before knowing who he would face in Sunday’s showpiece match, but the German had complimentary words for the world No. 1.

"I think Jannik has been the best player in the world for the past 12 months," he said.

"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."

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Video credit: SNTV

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