The outcome dealt a harsh blow to Medvedev, who is now the first player to lose two Grand Slam finals from two sets up.
Djokovic failed to create any breakpoints, underscoring Sinner’s dominance on serve.
The tournament in Monte Carlo is his first on clay court after suffering a serious foot injury at the French Open last year.
Red-hot fourth seed Medvedev has now reached the final in five consecutive events after triumphs in Doha, Rotterdam, and Dubai before finishing runner-up at Indian Wells.
Azarenka earned a measure of redemption for being dumped out in the opening round in 2021, to reach the last four at Melbourne Park for the first time in a decade.
Nadal carries the flame for the fading golden generation as he bids for a 23rd major title and third at Melbourne Park.
Medvedev, a runner-up Sunday at the Dutch tournament in Rosmalen, dethroned Novak Djokovic.
“I want to announce that I will not play tomorrow (Tuesday) in Monterrey, nor any other match against Russian or Belarusian tennis players…”
The world number two has earned a pre-Wimbledon confidence boost.
