Djokovic backs Zverev after heartbreaking Australian Open final: 'You have it in you'

Alexander Zverev’s third campaign for a first Grand Slam title ended in a disappointing heartbreak as he went down in straight sets to Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open 2025 final on Sunday. Having already lost in the US Open 2020 and French Open 2024 finals in five sets, the Australian Open final only lasted three sets as the 27-year-old German was obliterated by the magical gameplay of the Italian at the Rod Laver Arena.

“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. I think I’m practicing the right things. But I lost in straight sets today. I mean, those are facts. That is a fact. I lost to Jannik in straight sets today,” said Zverev.

“I mean, I don’t want to end my career as the best player of all time to never win a Grand Slam, that’s for sure,” said Zverev, whose post-match speech was interrupted by someone in Rod Laver Arena calling out the names of two women who have accused him of physical abuse in the past.

“I’ll keep doing everything I can," Zverev said, “to lift one of those trophies.”

Djokovic supports Zverev after Aus Open loss

Zverev found support from Sinner who asked him to “keep working hard”.

“Keep believing in yourself,” Sinner said. “Keep working hard, because we all believe that you can lift one of these very, very soon.”

Zverev was also cheered up by 24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic on Instagram. Djokovic in his message for Zverev wrote: “Sasha, keep believing my friend! You have IT in you”.

He also congratulated Sinner by writing “Auguri Jannik” on his Instagram story.

Djokovic had placed his bet on Zverev to break his Grand Slam duck before the final.

Rafael Nadal in his congratulatory message said: “Congratulations Jan, impressive!”

In the US Open 2020 final, Zverev lost to Dominic Thiem 2–6, 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 7–6(8–6). In the French 2024 final, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Zverev 6–3, 2–6, 5–7, 6–1, 6–2.