Sinner - Zverev, a promising final between the world's top two players
On Sunday, Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev will contest the first Grand Slam final of the season on the men's circuit.
The Australian Open, always full of surprises, this year features a final between the top two players in the ATP rankings.
Sinner, defending champion and world No.1, takes on runner-up Zverev, who has been seeking his first Grand Slam title for several years now.
On paper, both men have had a relatively quiet fortnight.
Sinner avoided the Rune trap in the Round of 16 after suffering a physical setback, but got back on track in the quarter-finals against De Minaur, before coming out on top against Shelton's powerful game in the semi-finals.
Zverev, for his part, had a favorable draw, but gave himself a scare in the quarter-finals against Paul, being far from his best in the first two sets.
In the semi-final, Djokovic's withdrawal meant that he did not have to engage in a physical and mental battle that could have had an impact on the final.
Although Zverev leads 4-2 in head-to-head meetings prior to this match, Sinner won a close encounter in Cincinnati last year (7-6, 5-7, 7-6).
And their last Grand Slam meeting was at the US Open 2023, when the Italian was still a long way from being the player he is now, especially on hard court where he has dominated the competition for the past year.
For this final, Sinner, who excels in both attack and defense and at times seems untouchable, is the favorite. Zverev, still searching for his first major tournament at the age of 27, dominates thanks to his serve and his ability to prolong the rally.
He can go the distance and would certainly be capable of taking Sinner physically in a fifth set, but the lack of aggression he occasionally displays could cost him dearly.
Above all, the question is whether the German won't be shaking in his boots this time as he closes in on a possible title, having led two sets to nil in the final of the 2020 US Open, or two sets to one against Carlos Alcaraz at Roland Garros last year.
Should he win, Zverev would finally be on the list of Grand Slam winners, after so many hopes had been pinned on him since his professional debut.
Sinner, meanwhile, would confirm his domination of the men's circuit, by claiming a third Grand Slam title, twelve months after his first.
Whatever the scenario for the Australian Open 2025 final, it's sure to be a great showdown on Rod Laver Arena.
The match kicks off at 7.30pm local time (9.30am in France).
Australian Open 
