Jannik Sinner cemented his status as the hardcourt king of men’s tennis with his second consecutive Australian Open title.
The world number one defeated Alexander Zverev 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, making him the first Italian man or woman to hold three grand slam singles titles.
Sinner has not lost a hardcourt match at a major since a defeat by Zverev in the fourth round of the US Open in 2023, following up his maiden title here last year by winning in New York.
A repeat never looked on the cards, with Sinner showcasing all the qualities that have made him virtually untouchable on the surface.
As well as a 21st-consecutive hardcourt win at slams, it also extended his current career-best…