Jannik Sinner outlasted Alexander Zverev in a titanic battle of big serving to retain his Wimbledon crown and win his fifth grand slam title.
The world No 1 prevailed through four extremely tight sets, winning 6-7 7-6 6-3 6-4 in a final that featured just two breaks of serve in three hours and 46 minutes. Both went Sinner’s way after the first two tiebreak sets were split, with the 24-year-old Italian digging deep in both the third and fourth to deny Zverev back-to-back grand slam titles.
Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit from the French Open last month, as he wilted in the intense Paris heat, and took his time to find his form as he returned to the grass before thumping Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. His victory over Zverev is his 10th consecutive win against the German.
Zverev, 29, was bidding to become the first man in the Open era to win a second grand slam title immediately after their first, following his maiden breakthrough at last month’s French Open. Zverev’s first Wimbledon final is clouded by domestic abuse allegations that have marred his career, and which he has always strenuously denied.
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How does it feel to be Wimbledon champion?
Sinner sums it up: “Amazing”.
He says: “As Sascha did I would like to start with you and your whole team and family. You reached one of your main goals, winning grand slams, if you play like this I’m very, very sure you’re going to have this one at home as well.
“I know another goal is to be No 1 in the world, you’re very very close so we have to be very careful now! But congrats.”
Zverev continues:
In response to someone cheering for him, he says: “Unfortunately this guy will be back as well!
“One more thing, it’s very special playing on this court and it’s because of the Royal Box, the amount of special people that I see. it’s a great honour to play in front of you, Your Highness, and everybody else as well. It’s a unique court and the Royal Box is a special thing. It’s a massive honour to play on this court, simple as that.”
Zverev continues:
“To my team, we had a pretty good two months. Even though we lost this final we had an amazing two months, we came into Wimbledon never reaching the quarter-finals and we played our first Wimbledon finals. 29 years old, this is the first time I actually believed I can win this trophy, so thanks to you guys as well.
“I would like to thank the crowd for these two amazing weeks, every time I played the court was feel and I never felt support like that at Wimbledon before. You guys are a big part of how I made the final so thank you for that.”
Alexander Zverev collects runner-up plate
Zverev comes over to speak to Annabel Croft, and gets a warm reception from the crowd. He has a little smile on his face now.
“First of all, Jannik, I don’t really like you anymore. To be fair I lost to you nine times in a row… [it’s now 10, in fact]. First of all congratulations to Jannik, he showed once again why he’s the best player in the world. It was great to share Centre Court with you on finals weekend, it’s a great honour to be here. Unfortunately it didn’t go my way, but congratulations to you.
“Do I keep going? Congratulations to Jannik’s team, you guys are world No 1 but started outside the top 10 and worked your way to world No 1 and grand slam champions, it’s a team effort, congratulations, you really deserve it.”
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
Zverev has a chat with the Princess of Wales and lifts his runners-up plate to the crowd, before Sinner comes over to lift what has to be one of the best, if not the best, trophies in tennis.
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
The Princess of Wales, wearing green to match the grass today, comes out for the trophy presentation, alongside Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, and Roy Colabawalla, president of the LTA.
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion!
Zverev sits on his chair. Penny for his thoughts.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 6-4 Alexander Zverev
The pair share a nice embrace at the net before Sinner acknowledges the crowd, beaming in a rare show of emotion. What a match.
He wins in three hours and 46 minutes, the second-longest match he’s ever won – the longest being just two minutes over that.
Off he goes to celebrate with his box, grinning ear to ear.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 6-4 Alexander Zverev
Championship point…
Zverev gets the serve in play, but Sinner plays a lovely forehand down the line and drops to his back in relief! Sinner defends his title and is a two-time Wimbledon champion!!!
