Jannik Sinner has retained his Australian Open title with an emphatic 6-3, 7-6(4), 6-3 win over Alexander Zverev, breaking new ground for Italian tennis and leaving his German rival smarting after a third Grand Slam final defeat.

World number one Sinner became Italy’s first player to win three Grand Slam crowns on Sunday, moving past Nicola Pietrangeli who won back-to-back men’s titles at Roland Garros in 1959-60.

“We worked a lot to be in this position again,” Sinner said at the trophy presentation, paying tribute to his team.

“It’s amazing to share this feeling with all of you, it’s amazing to achieve things and share it with you guys.

“Keep believing in yourself,” Sinner said to the defeated German. “We know how strong you are as a player and person, and you can lift a trophy.”