Jannik Sinner defeats dreaded 'Drake curse' after American rapper's $250,000 bet on him to beat Alexander Zverev in Australian Open final

Jannik Sinner decimated Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-5, 6-3 in two hours and 42 minutes to successfully defend his Australian Open title. However, Zverev was not the only one to be defeated by the World No. 1 as he also crushed the infamous 'Drake curse' with his triumph in Melbourne.

For the universe, Drake usually indulges in sports betting and publicly reveals the team he bets on. However, more often than not, the team the American places his bet on ends up losing. While many may dread knowing that the 38-year-old had placed a bet on them, the curse couldn't come close to harming Sinner, who clinched his triumph without any trouble.

Drake had placed a $250,000 bet on the Italian and following his triumph, he would be taking home a grand sum of $345,000. Interestingly, he had also placed a $210,000 bet on Taylor Fritz to win the 2024 US Open against Sinner but went home empty-handed.

"About to have Australian Open first time since 2017. Who's linking up?" he wrote on his Instagram story.

Drake's recent biggest jinxes include a $500,000 loss in the Edmonton Oilers loss to the Florida Panthers in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals and a $500,000 loss in the Dallas Mavericks' defeat to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.

His biggest losses are a $1,595,467 loss following Israel Adensanya's defeat to Alex Pereira at UFC 281 and a $1,000,000 loss in France's loss to Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final.

"You're an amazing player, keep believing in yourself" - Jannik Sinner sends heartfelt message to a distraught Alexander Zverev

Jannik Sinner - Source: Getty

During his on-court interview, Jannik Sinner sent an encouraging message to cheer up a heartbroken Alexander Zverev, who seemed completely distraught after his third consecutive Grand Slam final defeat. The Italian also consoled the teary-eyed German ahead of the trophy presentation ceremony.

"I would like to start with Sascha. Again, a tough day for you, and not only, I mean your whole team, your family, you have an incredible team behind you. You're an amazing player. Keep believing in yourself because, I think we all players and all the coaches, whoever is involved in this sport, knows how strong you are, not only as a player but also as a person," Jannik Sinner said.

"So keep it up, keep working hard because we all believe that you can lift one of this very very soon. So wish you only the best," he added.

Jannik Sinner achieved many milestones with his Australian Open win, including becoming the first Italian to win three Majors.