• Jannik Sinner won his second consecutive Australian Open title, defeating Alexander Zverev in straight sets.
• With this victory, Sinner becomes Italy's first player to claim three Grand Slam titles.
• Sinner's impressive performance included not facing a single break point during the match against Zverev.
• Ongoing doping allegations hang over Sinner, with a hearing scheduled for April regarding a previous positive test.
• Zverev faces continued struggles in Grand Slam finals, marking his third loss in a major final.

In a dominating display at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday, Jannik Sinner retained his title as the Australian Open champion, defeating world No. 2 Alexander Zverev with a commanding score of 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3. This win not only solidifies Sinner's status as a leading player in men's tennis but also makes him the first Italian to win three Grand Slam titles, breaking the long-standing record of two previously held by Nicola Pietrangeli.

At just 23 years old, Sinner has shown an impressive trajectory in his career, extending his winning streak to 21 matches. On his way to the final, Sinner displayed remarkable consistency, dropping only two sets throughout the tournament. His victory over Zverev was characterized by a clinical performance where he did not face a single break point, exemplifying his dominance on the court. The win further emphasizes his shift to being a hard-court powerhouse, as he has now secured back-to-back Australian Open titles.

Zverev, despite being a formidable player, struggled throughout the match against Sinner's relentless pressure and skill. His loss highlights ongoing challenges for Zverev, who is now 0-3 in Grand Slam finals after previously falling short at the U.S. Open in 2020 and the French Open in 2024. Following his defeat, Zverev reflected on his performance but acknowledged Sinner's superiority: "He does everything else better than me," he said, echoing the sentiment that Sinner is currently in a league of his own.

While Sinner's achievements on the court are impressive, the backdrop of his ongoing doping case casts a shadow over his success. He tested positive for clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid, in March 2024, but was cleared by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. However, the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed this decision, seeking a suspension, with the case set for a hearing in April, just before the French Open.

Sinner, undeterred by the controversies, has focused on his performance and continues to receive praise from the tennis community. His coach Simone Vagnozzi stated, "Sinner has matured, not just on the court but also off it," showcasing his growth as a player. As he moves forward, all eyes will be on Sinner as he navigates both his impressive career and the challenges that lie ahead.

For more details, read the full articles on AP News, BBC, NPR, and additional coverage from CNN.