Jannik Sinner recorded a 6-3 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev to win the 2024 Australian Open title for the second consecutive year.
He produced a clinical, and dominant performance to brush aside Zverev, who struggled to cope with his quality.
Sinner opened with a statement ace and won his first two service games to love.
Zverev fought back to save two break points and hold for 2-2, serving his way out of trouble.
Zverev saved three break points but had no answer to a fourth when he was beaten by a blazing passing shot to slump 5-3 behind.
Sinner took the set in 46 minutes and kept the pressure on in the second as he moved a step closer to retaining his title.
He became the first Italian, man or woman, to win three Grand Slams, surpassing Nicola Pietrangeli. While joining Andre Agassi, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic as the only men to successfully defend their Australian Open titles this century.
Sinner also extended his winning streak to 21 matches, while also becoming the fifth player in the Open Era to win three consecutive hard-court Grand Slam tournaments, and the first since Novak Djokovic in 2015-16.
The 23-year-old was full of praise for his team following another title-winning feat.
He said: “We worked a lot to be in this position and it is an amazing feeling to share this moment with all of you.
“I know a part of the team is at home and my family, but it is amazing to share these feelings with you. I know Darren [Cahill] it is probably your last Australian Open as a coach and I am very, very happy to share this trophy with you.
“Everything started a little bit when I changed my combination of coaches and physio, I am very happy to have you all here.”
Zverev was disappointed after falling short in Melbourne, but he sent his congratulatory message to Sinner.
He said: “It sucks standing next to this thing and not being able to touch it.
“Congratulations to Jannik, you deserve it. You are the best player in the world by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today but you are just too good, it is as simple as that.
“Congratulations to you and your team, you really deserve it. You have done all the right things and there is nobody who deserves this trophy more.”
Sinner is expected to take home a record $3.5 million as the prize money for winning the tournament.
