Jannik Sinner’s coach gives his opinion on Alexander Zverev ahead of Australian Open final as he outlines problem facing him

Follow us on Google Discover

Jannik Sinner reached back-to-back Australian Open finals after beating Ben Shelton in straight sets.

Sinner took advantage of Shelton’s errors in their semi-final to extend his current winning streak to 20 matches, with his last defeat coming to Carlos Alcaraz at the China Open.

Despite dropping only two sets in Melbourne, Laura Robson suggested Sinner was not playing his best and could still improve for the final against Alexander Zverev.

Some of this may come as a result of the Italian’s fitness issues, with Sinner admittedly cramping against Shelton.

Sinner is now looking ahead to Zverev, as he bids to defend a Grand Slam title for the first time in his career.

Darren Cahill on Jannik Sinner’s five set Grand Slam record

With Sinner’s fitness coming into question, his coach Darren Cahill was asked in his press conference as to whether he was concerned about the final going to five sets.

The world number one has only won 40% of his five set matches at major tournaments, including a loss to Zverev at the US Open in 2023.

When this record was brought up to Cahill, who is leaving Sinner in 2025, he mentioned the Australian Open final last year where his player fought back to beat Daniil Medvedev.

The Australian also pointed out an inaccuracy on the ATP website concerning Sinner’s height.

“We had a good one year 12 months ago (smiling),” said Cahill. “Alexander is older, right? He’s a physical beast. He’s put those years of work into his body. Yeah, he is a great athlete and has a great five-set record.

“Jannik’s is improving. He’s getting better physically. He’s somewhat of a late developer with the body that he had and has grown. He is about 6’4″ now. I think even listed on the ATP website two years ago at 6’2”

‘He’s going to get better as time goes along. He’s in the final of another major. He’s proven he’s been able to win five-set matches in big matches at majors. We don’t have any concern that he’s going to be able to run out five sets if it needs to be five sets.

‘Best player will win. They’re both physically prepared. They’re both incredible athletes. It’s the number one and two in the world, so it’s the perfect final as far as the rankings are concerned. A great challenge for both players.”

Darren Cahill on the challenge that Alexander Zverev poses for Jannik Sinner

Zverev only played one set against Novak Djokovic, with the Serbian retiring in their semi-final due to injury.

When continuing to speak about Sinner’s run, Cahill heaped praise on the aforementioned Shelton and spoke about the challenges that Zverev will bring.

“As I said before, in today’s match he has enormous respect. He knows how good Ben is going to be in the future,” explained Cahill. “He’s already a great player, but how much improvement can come from Ben.

“Alexander has been around doing this for years. He’s going to be a really tough opponent for Jannik. We can’t wait to see how it goes. I think it’s going to be a great match.

“Different challenges come from different opponents. Getting that Alexander Zverev’s serve back is going to be a challenge in itself. We’ll see how we go, but Jannik returned really well tonight.”

Although they only played one set of their semi-final, Zverev showcased his serve against Djokovic by hitting eight aces.

Sinner will be looking to improve his return, as he takes on Zverev for the Australian Open title on Sunday January 26.