MELBOURNE, Australia — Jannik Sinner beat Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 in the Australian Open final at Melbourne Park Sunday. The No. 1 seed prevailed over the No. 2 seed in a match ultimately decided by Zverev’s discomfort when coming forward, Sinner’s underrated first serve, and a kiss of death from the net.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner defended his Australian Open title on Sunday, comfortably defeating Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in the men’s final to secure his third career grand slam win.

Jannik Sinner, right, of Italy holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Jannik Sinner of Italy holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup aloft after defeating Alexander Zverev of Germany in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia,

World No. 2 Alexander Zverev was forced to address previous domestic abuse allegations made against him after he was heckled by a member of the crowd after the Australian Open final on Sunday.

Zverev got his spot in the Australian Open final — play is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST) on Sunday — when 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic stopped playing because of a leg injury just one set into their semifinal on Friday.

Jannik Sinner retained his Australian Open title with an emphatic 6-3 7-6(4) 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev on Sunday, breaking new ground for Italian tennis and leaving his German rival smarting after a third Grand Slam final defeat.

Alexander Zverev says he is feeling down and emotional after once again coming within one win of earning his first Grand Slam title.