Both Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal congratulated Jannik Sinner on his Australian Open victory.
Novak Djokovic sent an emotional message to Alexander Zverev after the second seed was defeated in straight sets by Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final on Sunday at Rod Laver Arena. Sinner won 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 in a two-hour, 42-minute match, not only defending his Melbourne crowd but also becoming the first Italian to win three Grand Slam titles.
In the press conference following his retirement from the semifinal match against Zverev, Djokovic stated unequivocally that he supported the 27-year-old for his first Grand Slam. He said, “I wish Sascha the best. He deserves his first slam. I’ll be cheering for him. Hopefully, he can bring it here.” The 37-year-old doubled down on social media, posting more in support of Zverev ahead of the final.
But Zverev was left in the dark in the final, as Sinner cruised to an easy victory without facing a single break point. Aside from the German, Djokovic appeared to be disappointed with the outcome, as he left a message for Zverev in his Instagram story. “Sasha, keep believing, my friend! “You have it in you,” the world number seven commented, sharing a photo of the two finalists posing for photographers on the podium after the final.
The 10-time Australian Open champion, however, did not forget to congratulate Sinner on his impressive victory. He added, “Auguri Jannik.”
Rafael Nadal, a former two-time winner in Melbourne, celebrated Sinner’s win. His Instagram story read: “Congratulazioni Jan @janniksin Impressionante!”, which means “Congratulations Jan, impressive!”
Notably, they are the only two men in the Open Era to successfully defend their maiden Grand Slam title. Nadal accomplished the feat in 2006 at Roland Garros. Sinner also joined Nadal, and Roger Federer, in becoming only the three male players in this century to win a Slam without facing a single break point.
