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De Minaur was the first Australian into the final at the tournament since Hewitt achieved the feat in 2004, and the South Australia went on to win the title. But with Sinner arguably the hottest player on the ATP Tour in terms of form, such an achievement for De Minaur was always going to be a stretch.

The 22-year-old Italian eventually overpowered De Minaur, blasting 23 winners, but the 25-year-old Australian manufactured enough chances to change to story.

But despite breaking Sinner in both sets, the Italian, who will rise to No.3 in the world, found a way back to earn his 15th ATP Tour win in a row after two hours and five minutes.

Victory stretched Sinner's unbeaten head-to-head against De Minaur to 7-0, but that won't stop the Australian from reaching a career high No.9 on the rankings.

"I played right now the best player in the world on form, and I was very close," a disappointed De Minaur said during his post-match press conference. [I had] chances here, chances there, ultimately he was too good in the end."

De Minaur feels he is also in pretty good form and taking it up a step against as he looks to match it with the best players on the tour.

"I'm taking it up a step and showing this is kind of where I belong," he said.

"In the past, matches like these, I would have felt like I got out-powered. I don't think today that was the case. I felt quite comfortable in the rallies, often dictating most of them.

"I'll look to improve, close the gap, and hopefully play more of these types of matches."