Alexander Zverev Reveals What Jannik Sinner Said In Embrace During AO Final Ceremony
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Alexander Zverev, the 2025 Australian Open men's singles runner-up, outlined what Jannik Sinner said while the German cried during the trophy ceremony.
Zverev endured one of the most brutal losses of his career in the Australian Open final. Jannik Sinner eased past him in straight sets, meaning the world No. 2's dream of winning a Grand Slam remains ongoing.
The defeat to Sinner was Zverev's third in a Grand Slam final. Losing that many times and never managing to get over the line meant it should not have been a significant surprise to fans when he cried during the trophy ceremony.
Sinner showed he is a classy individual by comforting Zverev. He put his hands on the runner-up's shoulders and spoke to him before Zverev responded by hugging the ATP world No. 1 in gratitude.
In a press conference after the match, Zverev discussed the incident. The Olympic gold medalist revealed that Sinner told him he was too good not to lift a Grand Slam trophy and would achieve it eventually.
“Yeah, I mean, I was quite down. I was quite emotional also in that stage. I think he saw that. He said that I will definitely lift one of those trophies in my career. I'm too good not to. That's his words."
Zverev admitted the loss hit him hard because he felt good before the final and thought competing against Sinner and winning the Australian Open title was possible if he played his best tennis.
"Yeah, it was a little bit of a tough moment for me because I really went in the final and also the preparation today, I really thought I had a very good chance because I was feeling good. I was feeling the ball quite well. I was feeling like I can compete, yeah. So it was just a difficult moment for me."
Last year's Italian Open champion acknowledged that winning a Grand Slam is something he wants more than anything and said seeing someone else lifting the trophy in front of him for the third time was difficult.
"I mean, now for the third time, seeing somebody lift the trophy, me standing next to that is difficult because there's nothing more I want than to be able to hold one of those trophies in my hands.”
Zverev has reached the final of every Grand Slam except since Wimbledon. That shows his outstanding qualities on hard and clay courts. At 27, there is undoubtedly still time for him to obtain a Grand Slam.
However, it would be understandable if doubts began to seep into Zverev's mind. Coming so close several times while being very successful during his career outside the four Grand Slams might make him feel cursed.
Zverev had to deal with Novak Djokovic's dominance in 2021 and 2023. He suffered a terrible injury in the 2022 French Open semifinal against Rafael Nadal, and Carlos Alcaraz and Sinner were the dominant forces in 2024.
It has consistently been a case of bad timing for Zverev, but that does not mean he is doomed never to win a major title. It could happen this season if he keeps his level high.
