Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner defeats Daniil Medvedev in fifth set to win epic men’s final
Sinner defeated Medvedev 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in an epic Australian Open final
Jannik Sinner produced a stunning comeback from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev and win the Australian Open in a thrilling final. The 22-year-old Italian claimed the first grand slam title of his career in epic fashion as Medvedev suffered another heartbreaking Australian Open final defeat - the second time he has lost the final from two sets up following Rafael Nadal’s comeback two years ago.
Sinner, who defeated Novak Djokovic to reach his first grand slam final, was completely outplayed by Medvedev in the first two sets but found momentum as his powerful forehand started to dictate the match. Medvedev had survived three gruelling five-set matches to reach the final, including from two sets down against Emil Ruusuvuori in the second round and Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, and was physically drained by the decider.
Sinner claimed the crucial break midway through the fifth set and kept his composure to serve for the title. An exhausted Medvedev, who broke the record for the most sets ever played at a grand slam, had nothing left and the former US Open champion becomes the first player to lose two grand slam finals from two sets up.
On Saturday, Aryna Sabalenka claimed back-to-back Australian Open titles with a straight-sets victory over Qinwen Zheng in Melbourne. The World No 2 sealed a dominant tournament defence with a 6-3 6-2 victory against the 12th seed Zheng, who was playing in a grand slam final for the first time.
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 Medvedev
Sinner becomes the first Italian man to win a grand slam since 1976. A new hero is born in Italy.
Like Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and Wimbledon, this feels like a huge moment as the next generation finally arrive after years of dominance from Djokovic, Nadal and Federer.
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 Medvedev
FOREHAND WINNER AND JANNIK SINNER IS A GRAND SLAM CHAMPION!
Sinner falls to his back! Medvedev goes to Sinner’s side of the net and congratulates him. It’s been some effort from the Russian and this will hurt...
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
*Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 5-3 Medvedev
Here we go! Serve and volley from Sinner! One point down...
HUGE FIRST SERVE WIDE... Two points away.
That’s a nervy backhand... 30-15.
Sinner goes long on the forehand now! The nerves.... 30-30....
Sinner goes on the attack! He stretches Medvedev on the backhand side... Medvedev can’t keep it in play...
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
*Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 5-3 Medvedev
You have to feel for Medvedev. No player in grand slam history has lost two finals from two sets up. He at least holds serve, behind a couple of excellent volleys. Over to Sinner...
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 5-2 Medvedev*
UNREAL! Magnificent from both players as they put everything they have into a 29-shot rally, but Sinner finally breaks through to put away the backhand winner and get to 40-15.
FIRST SERVE SINNER!
One game away!
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
*Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 4-2 Medvedev - Sinner breaks!
Is this the moment for Sinner? He beats Medvedev with the backhand pass down the line... and then Medvedev nets as he comes into the net!
It’s three break points for Sinner... SINNER TAKES IT WITH THE FOREHAND WINNER! The return was spot on and that sat up beautifully for Sinner!
Two games away...
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 3-2 Medvedev*
A much more comfortable hold for Medvedev is followed by more outrageous forehand striking from Sinner - the winner flashes down the line.
Medvedev has now spent 24 hours on court this tournament. A whole day.
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 2-1 Medvedev*
Sinner holds to love as he continues to outlast Medvedev in the longer points.
How long can Medvedev hold on?
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
*Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-1 Medvedev
Medvedev is desperately trying to finish off the points as quickly as possible but is caught out at the net as Sinner flashes the forehand up the line to get to 15-30.
But Medvedev then prodces three huge serves in a row to get the hold. Massive.
Australian Open LIVE: Jannik Sinner vs Daniil Medvedev
Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 1-0 Medvedev*
Medvedev is now into his 31st set of the tournament and fourth fifth-setter. It’s already the most sets anyone has played at a grand slam!
It would be an epic win if he pulls it off.
WOW - a simply staggering point on 30-30!!!! A 39-SHOT RALLY but Medvedev blinks first on the backhand and doubles over in exhaustion.
Second-serve ace from Sinner. HOLD.
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