The 2024 Australian Open has set the stage for a historic clash between two formidable players, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev, marking the first time in nearly two decades that the final doesn't feature any of the legendary Big 3—Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic. The last occurrence of such an event was in 2005 when Marat Safin triumphed over Lleyton Hewitt. As anticipation builds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await to witness a new chapter unfold in Grand Slam history.

How has Jannik Sinner fared in this Australian Open?

Jannik Sinner entered the Australian Open in exceptional form, riding the momentum of his recent Davis Cup victory. His triumph against Novak Djokovic from three match points down secured Italy's first continental title since 1976. Sinner's dominance continued in Melbourne, reaching the semifinals without dropping a set, including impressive wins over Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. The semifinal clash against Djokovic showcased Sinner's prowess as he secured victory in four sets, marking Djokovic's first-ever loss in an Australian Open semifinal. Many now consider Sinner the favorite heading into the final.

How has Daniil Medvedev fared in this Australian Open?

In stark contrast to Sinner's smooth journey, Daniil Medvedev's path to the final has been characterized by struggle. The Russian faced two comebacks from two sets down, displaying resilience against Emil Ruusuvuori and Alexander Zverev. His battles extended to five sets against Hubert Hurcakz in the quarterfinals and four sets each against Terence Atmane and Nuno Borges in the early rounds. Despite the challenges, Medvedev's tenacity has propelled him to his third consecutive Australian Open final, having lost the previous two to Djokovic and Nadal.

Head-to-Head

Sinner and Medvedev have a history of nine encounters, with the Russian holding a 6-3 advantage. Notably, all their matches have taken place on hard courts, and when considering outdoor hard courts specifically, they are tied at one win each. Last year, Medvedev secured a victory in the Miami final, while Sinner turned the tables in the China Open final, winning in two tiebreakers. The head-to-head statistics add an intriguing layer to their rivalry as they face off in the Australian Open final.

How will Jannik Sinner win the final?

For Jannik Sinner, a victory in the Australian Open final would elevate him to World No. 2, surpassing Carlos Alcaraz in the ATP rankings. Sinner's key challenge is maintaining his exceptional level in the first week, particularly against Djokovic. Against Medvedev, Sinner must adopt an attacking strategy, dictating the match from his serve and utilizing his forehand to finish points efficiently. A focus on avoiding prolonged rallies, potentially employing the serve and volley tactic, could prove pivotal in securing his maiden Grand Slam title.

How will Daniil Medvedev win the final?

Daniil Medvedev faces a daunting task, needing to elevate his game to a level not yet seen in this tournament. His defensive skills will be crucial in thwarting Sinner's attacking prowess. Given the slower nature of the Australian Open court this year, Medvedev's ability to put as many balls in play as possible will be an advantage. Drawing inspiration from his performance against Nadal in a previous final, Medvedev must showcase his defensive best to counter Sinner's aggressive style and claim victory.

Prediction

As the tennis world eagerly awaits the showdown between Jannik Sinner and Daniil Medvedev, predicting the outcome is challenging. The match is poised to be closely contested, with the recent form favoring Sinner. However, the experience of playing in Grand Slam finals could prove invaluable for Medvedev. Ultimately, it will come down to who delivers their best performance on the final stage. In a narrow prediction, we give the edge to Jannik Sinner, anticipating a hard-fought victory in four tight sets, marking his ascent to the pinnacle of tennis success. The 2024 Australian Open final promises to be a fitting chapter in the ever-evolving narrative of tennis history.