Melbourne, Jan 26 (Reporter) Jannik Sinner reaffirmed his status as World No. 1 with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open final on Rod Laver Arena here on Sunday. The 23-year-old Italian claimed his third Grand Slam title, successfully defending his Melbourne crown with a performance of unrelenting precision and power. Sinner’s dominance on the court left no doubt about his supremacy. From the outset, the defending champion imposed himself with blistering groundstrokes and impeccable serving. The first set saw him break Zverev early, setting the tone for a match where the German No. 2 struggled to maintain rhythm. The second set was more competitive, with Zverev forcing a tiebreak. However, Sinner’s composure under pressure proved decisive. He secured the tiebreak 7-4 with a mini-break, leaving his opponent visibly frustrated. A pivotal moment came at 5-3 in the first set. Sinner capitalised on Zverev’s unforced errors and broke serve with a stunning down-the-line backhand, drawing applause from the spectators. Though Zverev exhibited glimpses of brilliance with powerful serves and smartly constructed points, his inconsistency, compounded by struggles with racquet tension, hindered his ability to challenge Sinner effectively. Both players started strongly, holding serve comfortably. Zverev relied on his trademark aces, while Sinner displayed precision and composure during baseline exchanges. The Italian seized an early break opportunity, only to see Zverev rally back temporarily. Despite Zverev’s aggressive approach to dictating play, Sinner’s court coverage and relentless shot-making allowed him to dominate key rallies, swinging momentum in his favour. The second set evolved into a gripping contest. Zverev appeared to find his rhythm, forging a 5-6 lead, but Sinner's resilience forced a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, Sinner benefited from a stroke of fortune as his forehand clipped the net and dribbled over, giving him a crucial mini-break. From there, he unleashed a series of precise groundstrokes to seal the set at 7-4, silencing Zverev’s resistance. The third set showcased Sinner at his clinical best. He broke Zverev early to establish a 4-2 lead and maintained his dominance with unerring consistency. Serving for the match at 5-3, Sinner wrapped up proceedings with a precise forehand winner, igniting celebrations on Rod Laver Arena. For Zverev, the loss was another bitter chapter in his Grand Slam career. The World No. 2, now 0-3 in major finals, failed to capitalise on crucial opportunities and expressed his frustration by smashing his racquet after losing the second set. This triumph cements Sinner’s position at the pinnacle of men’s tennis. His unmatched consistency and adaptability make him a formidable force across all surfaces. As the 2025 Australian Open concludes, Sinner’s star shines brighter than ever, heralding a new era in men’s tennis...////...