The 2025 Australian Open has concluded with Jannik Sinner repeating as men’s singles champion. However, it has been a rocky road for Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Novak Djokovic as they navigated the court of public opinion and Australian Open media this fortnight.
1. Sinner Repeatedly Questioned About CAS Hearing
Jannik Sinner barely had time to enjoy his (subdued) celebration of going back-to-back before the questions began. Before the final, news broke that his CAS hearing date is April 16, 2025. It is unclear what or when resolution will occur from that, and his appearance at future Grand Slams this year could be in jeopardy.
Sinner tried to be diplomatic in answering the question of what happens next with an attempt to focus on his present achievement.
Sinner on upcoming CAS appeal
“With the CAS appeal happening before the next Slam does that shift your focus?
Jannik: “Tough to say. I’m not thinking about it at the moment. I just came off an amazing run here. I want to enjoy this moment to be honest”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 26, 2025
Social media has been hard on him also, calling him a “doper” and “cheat.” No tennis fan knows all the details of his case so we should enjoy his stellar play on the court and let the authorities resolve it.
2. Zverev Answered Again About Settled Sexual Assault Allegations
Alexander Zverev stepped up the mic, visibly sad and strained after his loss to Sinner. He could not begin his speech because a fan yelled out about the women who previously accused him of sexual assault.
No one advocates the alleged behavior, and only a select few people know what happened in these situations. Zverev’s issues are resolved.
Zverev on the woman who shouted ‘Australia believes Olya & Brenda’ before his runner up speech at Australian Open
“Good for her. I think she was the only one in the stadium who believed anything in that moment.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 26, 2025
3. Djokovic Was Mocked And Booed Off The Court
Then, there is 10-time champion Novak Djokovic who had to deal with Australian television presenter Tony Jones‘ disrespectful on-air words. Then, he was booed off the court after retiring against Zverev with an injury. Zverev spoke to the fans about that act and what a disservice it is to the sport and Djokovic the GOAT.
Djokovic posted his hamstring MRI/X-ray on social media, with no explanation, to show fans he was not faking it. I am no medical expert to explain what it is, but I can safely say it doesn’t look normal.
Thought I’d leave this here for all the sports injury “experts” out there. pic.twitter.com/ZO5mBtw9zB
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 25, 2025
Let’s stop being the moral police and allow the athletes to play and be flawed humans like the rest of us. This does not condone any errant behavior, but fans do not know the entire story of each of these men. Regardless, it is not for us to judge.
