Table of Contents
- This year’s Australian Open final will see defending champion Jannik Sinner take on Alexander Zverev in a highly anticipated clash
- Whereas Sinner is looking forward to defend the title he won twelve months ago, German second seed Zverev is bidding for his first Grand Slam title
This year’s Australian Open final will see defending champion Jannik Sinner take on Alexander Zverev in a highly anticipated clash.
World number one Sinner booked his place in a second consecutive Australian Open men’s singles final after beating American Ben Shelton in straight sets on Friday afternoon. Zverev, on the other hand, reached the final after Novak Djokovic withdrew from their semi-final clash due to injury. Djokovic, who was aiming to clinch a record-extending 11th title, quit after losing the first set 7-6 (7-5).
Jannik Sinner beat Ben Shelton to reach the Australian Open final. Photo/ Tennis.com.
Whereas Sinner is looking forward to defend the title he won twelve months ago, German second seed Zverev is bidding for his first Grand Slam title. Zverev has reached the final of two Grand Slams – 2020 US Open and 2024 French Open – but is yet to win any of the four majors.
Sinner, who is 23, is the youngest man in history to reach multiple Australian Open finals since former American player Jim Courier in 1992-93.
Djokovic Jeered By Rod Laver Arena Crowd
World number seven Novak Djokovic reached the semi-final of the Australian Open after beating Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz earlier this week. The 37-year-old suffered a leg injury during the heavily anticipated quarter-final clash and left the arena with a heavily taped leg. He did not practice at Melbourne Park since Tuesday’s victory over Alcaraz and reportedly cancelled a planned training session on Thursday.
Djokovic, who clinched the 2023 Australian Open title, also missed practice sessions between matches that year and later revealed he had a tear in his hamstring. In 2021, he suffered an abdominal muscle tear in the third round but somehow managed to reach the final of the Grand Slam and won it.
On Friday, the 24-time Grand Slam winner, appeared on court in the morning and spent one hour warming up before getting into action with Alexander Zverev. The Serbian returned to action with his leg still taped, and somehow managed to fight on until the end of the first set.
Djokovic was far from his best against Zverev and was fortunate not to be punished by the German as he struggled badly with his first serve. He had three break points at 2-1 but failed to take his chances. His service game improved as the match went on and had a break point at 4-4 which he once again didn’t take advantage to.
After losing the first set 7-6 (6-5), Djokovic seemed determined to fight back in the second set. However, he left Zverev and majority of the 15,000 fans at Rod Laver Arena by deciding to retire. The 2023 Australian Open winner slapped a volley into the net and then approached his opponent to shake his hands.
Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic. Photo/ ATP Tour.
A section of the Rod Laver Arena booed Djokovic as he walked away from the court. Speaking about the reaction of the fans, Djokovic said he understands they were disappointed.
“People have come and paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get. From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to.” Novak Djokovic said, as per BBC.
Sinner Reaches Another Australian Open Final
Jannik Sinner entered the Rod Laver Arena with a winning record stretching back to October. The Italian has been a force to be reckoned with in the last twelve months and a place for him in the final was very likely as he played Ben Shelton on Friday.
Sinner had beaten Shelton four times in their last five meetings before today. After a thrilling clash, he secured a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 6-2 win over the American to book his place in Sunday’s final.
