Second Australian Open title in a row for Sinner

Zverev says rival in 'different universe' after straight sets loss

- JAMIE BRAIDWOOD

A despondent Alexander Zverev questioned if he was “good enough” to win a grand slam title as Jannik Sinner won a second Australian Open in a row with a dominant straight-sets win in Melbourne yesterday.

Zverev was left to admit that World No 1 Sinner is in a “different universe” at the hard-court grand slams after the Italian won a third consecutive major on the surface with a ruthless 6-3 7-6 (4) 6-3 victory.

The 23-year-old Sinner also became just the fourth player in the last 35 years to win a men’s grand slam final without facing a break point, as Zverev conceded that he was “completely outplayed” and compared the Italian to Novak Djokovic “at his best”.

The World No 2 has now lost all three of his grand slam finals and an emotional Zverev, who cried into Sinner’s shoulder before the trophy presentation, told the crowd “I’m just not good enough – it is as simple as that” in his runner’s-up speech.

Zverev appeared more upbeat afterwards and stated that he would not give up on winning a first grand slam title, although the German did not shy away from the reality that there is a gulf between himself and Sinner.

“It’s very difficult to give an on-court speech after you lose a grand slam final,” Zverev later said. “I’m doing everything I can. I’m working as hard as I ever did. I think I’m doing all the right things off-court.