John McEnroe has weighed in on Alexander Zverev’s performance in the Australian Open final, suggesting the German failed to challenge Jannik Sinner effectively, especially considering the Italian’s physical vulnerabilities during the tournament.
Sinner clinched his third Grand Slam title with a dominant 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 victory over Zverev, becoming the first Italian to achieve this feat since Adriano Panatta. While Zverev had beaten Sinner in their previous encounter at the 2023 US Open, the German never seemed to threaten the world No. 1 in this showdown, leaving McEnroe surprised that Zverev didn’t capitalize on Sinner’s physical struggles, including cramps in his semifinal and a lingering illness.
“I thought Zverev would make this a real battle, especially with Sinner dealing with cramps and illness just days before,” McEnroe reflected during an interview with Eurosport. “But he didn’t do enough to challenge him. You have to give Sinner a lot of credit for that. He was excellent, as good as he needed to be. He’s the best on hard courts, no doubt about that.”
McEnroe also noted that although Sinner is still maturing and improving on grass and clay, his performance against Zverev highlighted his exceptional skill and mental toughness. “He managed to get into Zverev’s head,” McEnroe continued. “He’s an impressive player, especially with how he maneuvers in and out of the corners. He piles on pressure and did so in this match.”
Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander also shared his analysis, praising Sinner for his flawless display. “He was aggressively consistent, calm, and intense all at once,” Wilander remarked. “Sinner’s performance was perfect. I thought Zverev had a chance, but he didn’t show enough emotional intensity. He was flat, and I wondered if he truly believed in his tactics. Even when he won the first point in the final game of the third set, he didn’t seem to find the emotional spark needed to get back into the match.”
Wilander’s comments suggest a missed opportunity for Zverev, who, despite his abilities, couldn’t shift the momentum in his favor.
Off the court, Sinner’s recent triumphs have been somewhat overshadowed by his ongoing doping case. Last year, he tested positive for the anabolic steroid clostebol, though the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) cleared him of wrongdoing, accepting his explanation that the substance was not his fault. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has appealed this decision, and the case is set to be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in April.
As Sinner continues to dominate on the court, his future in the sport could hinge on the outcome of this appeal, with a potential suspension looming if WADA’s challenge is successful. Despite this uncertainty, the Italian has made it clear that he’s focused on his game and the successes that continue to define his career.