Alexander Zverev jokes about being 'ahead' of Jannik Sinner as they take flight together following Australian Open heartbreak

The World No. 2, Alexander Zverev, was defeated by the defending champion, Jannik Sinner who clinched his second consecutive title at the Down Under in three straight sets. The Italian player proved too strong for the German one, which Zverev later acknowledged.

The runner-up and the champion of the 2025 Australian Open flew back together from Melbourne. Zverev posted a humorous Instagram story of Sinner sitting behind him on the plane, writing:

“Well atleast I’m ahead of him this time”

Alexander Zverev's Instagram story (Image via Instagram/@alexzverev123)

The two are friends of the court. Even when the German was disheartened after the loss, Sinner consoled him. Zverev revealed the conversation later in the post-match conference of the final:

“I will definitely lift one of those trophies in my career, I’m too good not to, that’s his words.” [07:05]

This was Alexander Zverev’s third Grand Slam final, and once again, he failed to clinch his maiden major title. But he’s determined not to lose hope and do everything he can to win a Grand Slam. He made a strong statement in the press conference which shows his will to win a Grand Slam:

“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.” [01:34]

On the other hand, Jannik Sinner is yet to be defeated after reaching the final of a Grand Slam. He has reached the final thrice and won all three times. The Italian player has won all the hardcourt Grand Slams since last year. His win-loss ratio on the surface is an exceptional 53-3. The World No. 1 is further cementing his place as the best hardcourt player in the world currently.

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Where will Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner play next?

BNP Paribas Open 2024 - Final Day - Source: Getty

Both the players are expected to play the next masters at Indian Wells, which begins on March 5. But before that, there are multiple 250 and 500 in February, they are likely to play one or two of them before heading towards the masters.

Since 2018, Alexander Zverev has been playing the ATP 500 at Acapulco. He has only missed one in 2023, when he decided to play the swing at Qatar. He has even won the tournament once in 2021, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in the final. Therefore, he is expected to play at the Acapulco which begins on February 24.

Meanwhile, Jannik Sinner has competed in the ATP 500 event in Rotterdam for the past two years. Last year, fresh off his title win in Melbourne, he went on to play in Rotterdam and secured another championship. He has participated in three editions, winning once and finishing as the runner-up in 2023. He claimed the title by defeating Alex de Minaur in the final of 2024. Therefore again, he is expected to play in the Netherlands which starts on February 3.