Why ‘upset’ Alexander Zverev was ‘unhappy’ at baffling AWOL equipment during Australian Open final against Jannik Sinner

A Fiery Start: Zverev and Sinner Clash in the Australian Open Final

The 2025 Australian Open final began with a sense of anticipation as Alexander Zverev and Jannik Sinner stepped onto the court, each determined to make history. Zverev, a former world No. 1, was seeking his first Australian Open title, while Sinner was aiming to defend his crown. The match started with both players holding their serves comfortably, setting the stage for what promised to be a thrilling contest. The crowd watched in awe as the two tennis giants exchanged powerful shots, each trying to outmaneuver the other. The opening set was tightly contested, with neither player willing to give an inch.

A Moment of Frustration: Zverev’s Racquet Conundrum

As the set wore on, the tension on the court became palpable. At the changeover after the seventh game, Zverev’s composure seemed to waver. He engaged in a heated discussion with chair umpire Damien Dumusois about the whereabouts of his racquets, which had apparently gone missing while being strung. Zverev, visibly frustrated, could be heard uttering a string of numbers, likely referring to the string tension he desired—15.9 and 16.9 kg. Eurosport commentator Nick Mullins explained that Zverev had sent his racquets to the stringers an hour before the match but was still waiting for them. This unusual delay left Zverev with fewer racquets than he had hoped for, and he was clearly unhappy with the ones he had. “He’s some racquets down,” Mullins noted, adding that Zverev wanted the missing racquets “as soon as possible.”

The String Tension Debate: Expert Insights

The situation raised eyebrows among the commentators, with former British tennis star Tim Henman expressing his confusion. “That’s incredibly loose,” Henman remarked, referring to the low string tension Zverev requested. He explained that looser strings can provide more power but often at the expense of control. Given Zverev’s recent struggles with his forehand, Henman suggested that Zverev might need more control rather than additional power. The cooler conditions at the venue might have been the reason behind Zverev’s request, as looser strings can help the ball travel farther in cooler temperatures. However, the German’s decision to experiment with such low tension midway through the set seemed risky, especially given the high stakes of the match.

The Fallout: Zverev’s Disruption and Sinner’s Opportunity

Zverev’s frustration appeared to affect his focus, and the disruption seemed to cost him dearly. In the very next game, Sinner capitalized on Zverev’s momentary lapse in concentration and broke his serve. This pivotal moment shifted the momentum of the set in Sinner’s favor. With the break, Sinner was now in a position to serve for the first set, a task he accomplished with ease. The Italian closed out the set 6-3, taking an early lead in the match. Sinner’s ability to maintain his composure and seize the opportunity highlighted his growing maturity and experience on the big stage. Meanwhile, Zverev was left to regroup and reassess his strategy.

Sinner’s Resilience: Battling Both Zverev and Cramps

As the match progressed, Sinner demonstrated the same resilience that had carried him to victory in the previous year’s Australian Open. Despite struggling with cramps, which he openly acknowledged after the match, Sinner remained focused and composed. “There was tension for both of us,” he admitted in his post-match interview, referring to the physical and mental battles he faced during the match. His ability to manage his body and maintain his high level of performance under duress was a testament to his growing reputation as one of the game’s toughest competitors. Sinner’s win over Zverev solidified his reputation as a formidable force on hard courts, a surface on which he has excelled throughout his career.

Conclusion: A Jeopardy of Emotions and Equipment

Zverev’s frustration over the missing racquets and his subsequent loss of focus served as a reminder of how mental and technical challenges can sway the outcome of a match. While his anger was understandable, given the importance of the occasion and the precision required in professional tennis, it also underscored the need for players to manage their emotions effectively. Zverev’s decision to experiment with such low string tension also raised questions about the strategy, as it left him struggling to control his shots at a critical moment in the set. Sinner, on the other hand, demonstrated his ability to capitalize on his opponent’s weaknesses and maintain his composure under pressure. In the end, it was Zverev who paid the price for his misfortune with the racquets, leaving him to wonder what might have been if things had gone differently.