Zverev had previously lost in the French Open final in 2024 and in 2000 at the US Open. This one will perhaps sting the most, however, considering he actually looked somewhat overawed by the occasion.

Naturally, the postmortem has begun and Zverev will have to learn from this bruising experience. It might sting for the next few days but the 27-year-old has to retain the belief that he can get into the winner’s circle at a Grand Slam in the future.

Mats Wilander shares what he found really surprising about Alexander Zverev in Australian Open final

Shortly after the final, the analysis began and in truth, it was a shame that the final didn’t really live up to the pre-match billing that Zverev might be capable of pinching a maiden Grand Slam crown.

The 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 victory for the world number one made for a bit of an underwhelming final. It felt like it was over in no time and it won’t be consigned under classic match any time soon.

Wilander spotted something about Zverev during the match. He felt somewhat disappointed by the German and admitted that Sinner simply blew his counterpart away.

He explained on Eurosport: “To me, Sascha Zverev was a little bit flat emotionally in this match. I have seen matches where he has used the ‘come on’ a little bit more, but I don’t think I saw one in the three sets.

“Obviously the first set is important but it’s five sets and he would have known that the longer the match goes the better the chances for him.

“Sinner came out and served brilliantly all day, but that was a little bit of a surprise for me.

Former Great Britain number one Tim Henman was alongside Wilander on the panel. He shared some concerns about Zverev and echoed the thoughts of his fellow pundit regarding the match and how it unfolded.

Henman explained: “I think the question mark was always how much Zverev would be prepared to take the bull by the horns and say I am going to live by the sword and die by the sword and take a few more risks.

“Whereas they got into so many baseline exchanges because they were serving very well and their returns are very good. But once they get into those exchanges I think the pendulum swings towards Sinner, he is able to dominate and you never see any type of reaction.

“Zverev is trying, of course, it’s a Grand Slam final but I think to show a bit more emotion to show he is in for the long haul to find a way to turn things around.”

Zverev will have to do some soul-searching after Australian Open final defeat

There is nothing worse in sport than when you continue losing in major finals. Michael Smith experienced it in darts and he lost nine major finals before finally getting over the line and lifting one.

Zverev won’t fancy losing another six finals before finally lifting one. With that in mind, this final needs to be parked as quickly as possible and the German player has to maintain his belief.

The major positive is that he’s putting himself in a position to win these titles. Okay, he’s not managed to get over the line just yet, but there has to be some hope that one day he can get one in his hands.

Zverev will keep a strong team around him ahead of the rest of the year. He will need them more than ever now as he comes up with a plan that can eventually see him become a Grand Slam champion in the future.

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