The Australian Open men’s singles champion will be crowned tonight when Jannik Sinner takes on Daniil Medvedev at Rod Laver Arena. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of the action from 7:30pm (AEDT).
The King is dead; long live the King.
That may be a touch on the dramatic side, but Sinner’s four-set win over Novak Djokovic ended a 2,195-day winning run at the Australian Open for the world No.1.
Sinner plays a similar game to Djokovic, and the last two sets were really a case of the master against the apprentice. The Italian’s big serve won a few more free points than the Serbian and that proved the difference in the end.
For Sinner to claim his first grand slam title, he has to first take down Medvedev.
The world No.3 looked down and out after going down two sets to love against Alexander Zverev; however, Medvedev dug deep and won his third five-set match of the tournament, coming away 6-3 in the last set after two tie-break wins to get the match back to square.
Medvedev has spent over 20 hours on court in this Australian Open compared to under 15 hours for Sinner, who has lost only one set so far. Fatigue may be a factor for the Russian.
Prediction
The head-to-head between this pair tells an interesting story; Medvedev leads it 6-3, but Sinner has won the last three. Their last meeting was at the ATP Finals last November, with Sinner winning 6-3, 6-7, 6-1.
Medvedev has the clear edge in grand slam experience, having played five grand slam finals to date for a sole US Open title. However, you get the feeling this is Sinner’s time.
It won’t be easy but the Italian will lift the trophy.
Sinner in five sets.
Venue: Rod Laver Arena
Start Time: 7:30pm (AEDT)
TV: Channel 9
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Sinner $1.33, Medvedev $3.30 – odds via PlayUp
Tim Miller
Editor
Thanks for the blog, David! Heck of a match, Medvedev's level so good early but Sinner held firm and fresh legs made the difference.
David Holden
Roar Guru
Thanks for following the blog tonight. I will be back on the Roar in a couple of weeks with the NRL season not far away
David Holden
Roar Guru
Jannik Sinner has claimed his maiden Grand Slam title with a massive come from behind win. Medvedev dictated terms over the first two sets but Sinner looked stronger as the match wore on and deserved the victory in the end
David Holden
Roar Guru
MATCH - SINNER - 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 Sinner has done it with an epic forehand down the line Sinner 3 3 6 6 6 Medvedev 6 6 4 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Huge forehand from Sinner brings up Championship Point
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sinner sends his forehand long and is there another twist. 30-30
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sinner mistimes the backhand. 30-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Serve out wide too good. 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sliding serve results in the forehand volley winner. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Medvedev holds Sinner 3 3 6 6 5 Medvedev 6 6 4 4 3
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good serve draws the error. 40-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good pick up from Medvedev and the backhand volley. 30-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Medvedev pushes his forehand just long. 15-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Good serve down the T wins the point. 15-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sinner would love to break Medvedev again rather than having to serve his first grand slam out
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great serve and Sinner now just one game away Sinner 3 3 6 6 5 Medvedev 6 6 4 4 2
David Holden
Roar Guru
Great rally but Sinner wins with the cross court forehand. 40-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Double fault. 30-15
David Holden
Roar Guru
Big serve down the T and its 30-0
David Holden
Roar Guru
Sliding serve ace. 15-0