Sinner makes history with two-set comeback in Australian Open final

Jannik Sinner on Sunday became just the second player in the Open Era to rally from two sets down in the Australian Open final and lift the trophy.

Both instances have come against Daniil Medvedev. In 2022, Rafael Nadal surged past Medvedev 2-6, 6-7(5), 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. Sinner defeated him 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3.

It is only the eighth time in the Open Era that there has been a two-set comeback in a major final. Four of those recoveries have come since 2020.

✨ KING OF MELBOURNE ✨@AustralianOpen | #AusOpen | @janniksin pic.twitter.com/RNnramgfC0

— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 28, 2024

Two-set comebacks in major finals (Open Era)

Sinner is the fifth man to win his first Grand Slam singles title after trailing two sets to none in the championship match. The other players who have done so are Bjorn Borg (1974 Roland Garros), Ivan Lendl (1984 Roland Garros), Gaston Gaudio (2004 Roland Garros) and Dominic Thiem (2020 US Open).

The Italian Sinner had previously only made one two-set comeback in his career, and it also came at the Australian Open. He defeated Marton Fucsovics 4-6, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-0 in the third round at Melbourne Park two years ago.

Medvedev is the only player in the Open Era who has lost two Grand Slam singles finals from two sets up. He was trying to become the first player in the Open Era to earn four five-set victories en route to a major trophy.