As Jannik Sinner entered Rod Laver Arena to play the final of the 2025 Australian Open, there were several factors that theoretically might have unsettled him.
He was 2-4 versus his opponent, Alexander Zverev. Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, had announced that their partnership would finish at the end of 2025. And then there was the lingering matter of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal to Sinner’s drug-related charges, and a hearing due to happen in April.
But when push came to shove, how much did any of this intrude on Sinner’s quest for a successful title defense and a third major? Zero.
Once again, Sinner proved himself tremendously efficient, forceful, effective and, in the end, triumphant. Twelve months ago in Melbourne, Sinner rallied from two sets to love down to earn his first major. But Sinner’s last two final-round wins have come in straight sets: one of many signs that show how far he is distancing himself from the pack (save for Carlos Alcaraz).
Read more: Zverev left to say ‘I’m just not good enough’ as Sinner retains Australian Open title
