The only threat to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final was the same threat to the tournament itself – that they would suffer from too much of a good thing. For both, it was a distant hazard this night.
The previous night, beaten champion Aryna Sabalenka had laid out the stark truth about major finals. “I think when you get to the point of finals, it’s trophy or nothing. Nobody remembers the finalist, you know? Nobody put, like, next to the winner the finalist’s name.”
Jannik Sinner is a back-to-back Australian Open champion.Credit: Eddie Jim
Sinner and whatshisname could tell you all about it. They met here as Nos.1 and 2 in the world – pacesetters, rightful finalists. Sinner has played and won three finals, whatshisname has played and lost three.
The first two went to five sets, but this was a rout; he did not get as far as one break point against the invulnerable Sinner, losing 6-3, 7-6 (7-4), 6-3. “You’re the best player in the world by far,” he said to Sinner on the podium. “I was hoping to be a bit more competitive tonight, but you were just too good. It’s as simple as that.”
Whatshisname is unfair to Alexander Zverev, of course, who henceforth in this story will be dignified by his name, as he was indeed dignified in defeat.
He is a formidable player, but at 27 must be starting to wonder if and when he can snaffle a major before the next wave of readymade stars who enlivened the first week of this tournament rise and swamp him.
The well-meaning and sincere words of his three different conquerors in finals must be starting to make a patronising sound in his ears.
If Sinner allows himself a little conceit, which is doubtful, he must be starting to wonder how many majors he can win. So must his peers.
This was a battle between technicians rather than artists, so it lacked the drama and flair of some recent finals. But as the best cars made by their respective countries demonstrate, there is beauty in technical precision.
The singular thing about the Sinner model is that it makes no noise at all. Not a clunk, not a rattle, and certainly no whine. In all he does, he maintains an almost other-worldly chill. No doubt it is the secret to his mastery.
Jannik Sinner consoles Alexander Zverev.Credit: Eddie Jim
The thing about Zverev this night is that he was made mute of stroke and voice by Sinner’s excellence. Sinner is not without feeling altogether. While waiting for the formalities, he went to Zvevev, put his hands on his shoulders and spoke some consoling words. “You’re too good not win one,” he said. Zverev has heard that too often before.
This final was not lop-sided, but it became one-sided. Statistically, Sinner has the best serve in the game, and the equal best return of serve, which does not seem fair.
As demonstrated this night, he is also the best clutch player, which is probably what sets him apart from Carlos Alcaraz, otherwise Jeckle to his Heckle.
Zverev sought to be the aggressor. It was his only course. But all it meant was that when he forced Sinner to hit a passing shot, he did. Over and over.
It wasn’t just that. This match, this trophy, swung on the second set. Twice, Zverev was within two points of winning it. The first time – at 4-5, 0-30 – Sinner hit a series of unplayable serves, allowing Zverev to touch the ball only once more for the game. The second time – at 5-6, 30-30 – he and Zeverev played a point that had one of every imaginable shot in the game except a tweener. It was the best point of the match, and Sinner won it.
In the tie-breaker, a crucial net cord fell his way, luck certainly, but no less than his due. From there, everything felt pre-destined.
As for the tournament, it is riding a wave, but also a fine line. This edition broke all records for crowds and ratings. But there were moments when it felt near a tipping point.
The cost of living crisis hasn’t reached Melbourne Park. Over the fortnight, more than a million people paid premium prices to enter, if not necessarily to spectate, and for food and souvenirs. The place oozed money.
But for the first time, there were murmurings that this plenty was too much: The queues, the jostling for room in the public places, the price tags. For some, the tennis has become a place to be seen and heard, which made for conflict with those who were there to watch and listen.
The excess manifested in the behaviour of some of the crowds. Inevitably when you loosen restrictions, some will stretch them further still. This is not to deny that the Open is wildly successful, but to caution about overdoing it. It is a small step from an all-you-can-eat event to one that eats itself.
Somehow, you suspect that success won’t go to Sinner’s head. It’s simply too level. Of course, he might meet his match in a court of a different sort in April with WADA’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to have him suspended for a doping violation. He will not be able to manage that contest as he managed the final on Sunday night.
You had to feel for Zverev. For all Sabalenka’s trophy envy, at least she had memories of two previous triumphs here to sustain her. Zverev has no such consolation. Alongside the trophy on the podium on Sunday night, he said: “It sucks standing here next to this thing and not being able to touch it, to be honest.”
While the Australian Open’s cup runneth over, Zverev would simply like one cup.
News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport are sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
