Six runners-up of the Australian Open men’s singles born in the ’90s: waiting for the Big Three to fade and the next generation born after 2000 to rise

Jannik Sinner triumphed at the Australian Open consecutively in 2024 and 2025, and followed up by winning additional Grand Slams in the same years (2024 US Open, 2025 Wimbledon).

Prior to Sinner, Novak Djokovic secured the 2023 Australian Open crown and appeared in all four Grand Slam finals that year, ultimately winning three of them.

On the other hand, the six most recent Australian Open finalists who finished second have faced challenging career paths. Once dubbed the “Next Gen Big Four,” only one of them remains consistently in the ATP top ten, while one has already retired.

1. Alexander Zverev (2025)

In the 2025 Australian Open final, Zverev was defeated by Sinner in straight sets, 3-6, 6-7, 3-6.

Sinner offered consolation to the disappointed Zverev.

Although the loss was unfortunate, Zverev was in good form at the time and was once a strong contender for the world No. 1 ranking.

However, after Sinner’s suspension, Zverev missed his chance to claim the top spot, exiting early in tournaments like Buenos Aires, Rio, Acapulco, Indian Wells, Miami, and Monte Carlo.

Despite gradual improvement in the latter half of the year, his dream of reaching No. 1 was shattered, finishing 2025 ranked third in the world.

2. Daniil Medvedev (2024, 2022, 2021)

Russian star Medvedev has been runner-up at the Australian Open three times—2021, 2022, and 2024—earning him the nickname “The Three-Time Australian Open Runner-up.”

His defeats in 2022 and 2024 were particularly heartbreaking, as he had led by two sets in both finals.

Once a regular Grand Slam contender, Medvedev’s form declined sharply after 2024, winning only one Grand Slam match in 2025.

Currently ranked 13th in the world, his chances of returning to a Grand Slam final soon appear slim.

3. Stefanos Tsitsipas (2023)

Two years ago, Tsitsipas lost a five-set battle to Djokovic at the French Open. The Greek player aimed for revenge at the 2023 Australian Open but ultimately fell short of the title again.

Since then, Tsitsipas has struggled on the tour, with his year-end rankings dropping for three consecutive years, now outside the top 30.

From 6th at the end of 2023 to 11th in 2024, then down to 34th in 2025, the player who once challenged for the title is likely to miss seeded status at the 2026 Australian Open.

Whether he can rebound next season remains uncertain, and the outlook for this former world No. 3’s comeback is not very promising.

4. Dominic Thiem (2020)

In the 2020 Australian Open final, Thiem held a two-set lead and was up a set but eventually lost to Djokovic, finishing runner-up.

That same year, he won his first Grand Slam title in New York, which turned out to be the last major victory of his career.

Injuries ultimately ended Thiem’s career prematurely; he never fully realized his immense talent and officially retired in 2024.

Regrettably, no player born in the ’90s has won the Australian Open. The experiences of Medvedev, Thiem, Zverev, and Tsitsipas at the Australian Open reflect the ’90s generation’s struggle to claim a Grand Slam title, as the Big Three age and the post-2000 generation rises above them.

The 2026 Australian Open will kick off on Sunday, January 18. Who will be the favorite to win?

[Come see me][Come see me][Fist bump][Fist bump][Rose][Rose]

#Medvedev#​#AustralianOpenRunnerUp#​#TheBigThree#​#Zverev#​#TennisHighlights#​