Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a four-set win over French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Center Court.
World No. 1 Sinner battled back after being wilted by the Parisian heat in the second round at Roland-Garros to beat Zverev 6-7(7-9) 7-6(7-2) 6-3 6-4 to claim his 10th consecutive win and his fifth Grand Slam title.
It was also the Italian’s 100th Grand Slam win, receiving royal approval from the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, who sat in the front row of the Royal Box.
The win puts Sinner in rare company as the 10th player to successfully defend a title in the professional era, and strengthens his credentials as one of the dominant players of his generation while chasing arch-rival Carlos Alcaraz’s seven major titles.
“It’s amazing. For Alex, he won his first Grand Slam this year in Paris and he was really close today,” Sinner said after his win. “If he keeps playing like this, I am sure he will have this Wimbledon trophy very soon.
“We both started very well and served very quickly. Me and my team prepared very well. My mother had to leave the pitch a few times! It was an amazing final. We needed two players.
“We tried to give everything we had and I’m glad we won, but I’m also happy with the level we both played.
“Honestly, there is no better place to play tennis.
“I woke up with goosebumps. Today is a very, very special day and I never take it for granted.
“This crowd gave me the most special feeling you can have as a tennis player.”
How Sinner took down Zverev to retain the title…
After losing nine straight matches and 14 sets against Italy, Zverev knew he had to do something different and his intentions were clear from the start.
His forehand was also prone to breakdowns, but he picked up where he left off in the semi-final against England’s Arthur Perry, getting on court and rolling the ball out.
Sinner really raised his level against Novak Djokovic in the semifinals, but had not previously timed the ball particularly well and a shanked forehand resulted in his only break point of the first two sets at 4-3.
But Zverev was the better player overall, and it was fitting that it was a clean sweep from the German’s forehand that sealed the first tie-break.
Zverev clenched his fists, crouched down and looked at his support, shouting with joy.
The contest lacked the contrast of styles that made the clash between Sinner and the much-missed Carlos Alcaraz compelling, but there was tension and suspense as both men’s serves wiped out potential opportunities.
Zverev, who will surpass Alcaraz on Monday to become world No. 2, still appeared to have the advantage heading into the next tiebreak. At that moment, Sinner’s forehand kicked into gear at just the right moment and suddenly he was the player dictating the rally.
A restrained fist pump towards his team greeted a Zverev backhand that missed on set point and the second seed headed to the bathroom as the momentum of the match suddenly shifted.
Zverev survives horrific fall
Zverev recovered after an awkward fall behind the baseline.
Unexpectedly, it was Zverev who woke up first in the third set, and Sinner played a shaky game and gave up a break point at 3-3, but it was fortunate that his opponent slipped from the baseline.
Zverev initially appeared to be in trouble holding his right knee, but Sinner rounded the net and got a hand to him and play was soon on its way.
After only two break points in two and a third of an hour, another arrived on the very next play. Despite slipping mid-point, Sinner somehow recovered and took his chance, causing Zverev to throw his racket at his teammate in anger.
Starting from the 4th set, a shadow was cast over the center court, which became a factor in the gusts getting louder.
Sinner has never lost to Alcaraz in a Grand Slam final and, sensing another opportunity at 3-3, produced a brilliant comeback game, finishing the second break with a powerful forehand for the corner.
Zverev threw everything at Sinner, leaving the 24-year-old sprawled out on the court after diving for a volley.
But as has been the case for most of the last two and a half years, the Italian mountain man had the answer and was lying on his back on the turf after defeating the eventual winner.
Sinner vs. Zverev: The Tale of the Tape
Zverev, the first German to reach a men’s singles final since Boris Becker in 1995, was looking to win his second Grand Slam title at the next tournament on the heels of his first men’s singles title in the professional era (since 1968).
“Congratulations to Jannik, he has once again shown why he is the best player in the world,” said the 6ft 6in German.
“It was great to share Center Court with you for the final. It’s a great honor to be here. Unfortunately, it didn’t go my way.
“At the age of 29, this was the first year that I actually believed I could win a Wimbledon trophy.
“It’s very special to play on Center Court. It’s the most unique in the whole world.”
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