Physical prowess versus calm precision: Sinner faces Zverev in Melbourne final

Jannik Sinner has acknowledged the challenge posed by Alexander Zverev, describing the German as a "physical beast" ahead of their Australian Open final clash.

The Italian, aiming to secure back-to-back titles at Melbourne Park, is set to face the world's second-ranked player in a showdown that brings together the top two competitors in the rankings.

The world number one enters Sunday's final on 28 January 2025 with a remarkable 20-match unbeaten streak, having dropped just two sets en route to the decider.

As the favourite, Sinner seeks his third Grand Slam title and a second Australian Open crown, following his maiden triumph over Daniil Medvedev last year.

Should he prevail, Sinner would join an exclusive club of players to win consecutive Australian Open titles since the turn of the century – a feat only achieved by Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, and Novak Djokovic.

However, the 23-year-old has shown signs of vulnerability, suffering from cramps during his gruelling semi-final victory against Ben Shelton. This has given Zverev, still chasing his first Grand Slam trophy, a glimmer of hope.

Asked whether he felt unbeatable after his dominant run in Melbourne and a successful 2024 that included eight titles, Sinner dismissed such notions.

"No," he said. "I know that I put a lot of work in. I know I just try to stay calm, never taking things for granted. Just well-prepared, to be honest.

"Every day is a big challenge. Every day you have a different opponent. Sometimes you have some issues, and then you try to figure out what works best for that day and go for it. Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody's perfect."

Sinner's coach, Darren Cahill, echoed his sentiments, emphasising the threat posed by Zverev's determination and physicality.

"He's a physical beast," Cahill remarked. "He's put years of work into his body. He's a great athlete with an excellent five-set record.

"They're both physically prepared. They're both incredible athletes. It's the number one and two in the world, so it's the perfect final as far as the rankings are concerned."

Zverev, long regarded as one of tennis's most unfulfilled talents, will see this as an opportunity to finally break his Grand Slam drought after a decade of near misses. The German, now 27, has been in imperious form, winning 16 of his last 17 matches, including a title run at the Paris Masters last November.

Despite holding a 4-2 head-to-head record over Sinner, Zverev has often faltered on the sport's biggest stages. He squandered a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem in the 2020 US Open final and let slip a 2-1 advantage in last year's French Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.