Wimbledon: World No. 1 Jannik Sinner grinds out Alexander Zverev to successfully defend his title at the All England Club | Tennis News
Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a four-set victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Center Court.
The World No 1 Sinner bounced back after disappearing in the Paris heatwave in the second round at Roland-Garros to claim his fifth Grand Slam title with a tenth consecutive victory over Zverev – 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4.
It was also the 100th Grand Slam win for the Italians, who received royal approval from the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the front row of the Royal Box.
The win put Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the title, cementing his credentials as one of the greatest players of his generation while chasing seven-time major rival Carlos Alcaraz.
“It’s amazing. For Alex – he got his first Grand Slam in Paris this year, and he was very close today,” said Sinner after his win. “If he continues to play like this, I am sure he will have this Wimbledon trophy soon.
“We both started very well, working very fast. My team and I prepared very well. My mother had to leave the field a few times! It was an amazing final. It takes two players.
“We tried to give everything we have, I’m happy with the win, but I’m also happy with the level at which we both played.
“There’s no better place to play tennis, honestly.
“I felt nervous when I woke up, and this is a very special day. I don’t take it lightly.
“This crowd gave me a special feeling that you can have as a tennis player.”
How Sinner broke Zverev to retain the title…
After losing nine matches in a row and 14 sets against Italy, Zverev knew he had to do something different and his intention was clear from the start.
His football also liked to break but he picked up where he left off in the semi-final match against Arthur Fery from Britain, entered the field and let the ball go.
Sinner raised his profile when he demolished Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals but previously he had been unlucky to time the ball, and a forehand shot cost him one break in the opening two sets at 4-3.
Zverev was the better player, though, and it should have been a clean sweep without the German’s first break.
Zverev bent down with both clenched fists towards his support box, roaring with joy.
The contest lacked the contrast of styles that made the much-missed clash between Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz very compelling but it was tight and intense, with both men’s performances shutting down any opportunities.
Zverev, who will overtake Alcaraz to become world No. 2 on Monday, looked out of sorts until the next break, when Sinner’s forehand clicked into gear at just the right time and he was suddenly the player in control of the rallies.
A fist pump towards his team greeted a Zverev backhand on the set and the second seed headed for the bathroom as the momentum of the match suddenly changed.
Zverev survives a horrific fall
Unexpectedly, it was Zverev who started looking in the third set, Sinner playing a tense game to cough up a break at 3-3, but he was lucky that his opponent slipped behind the baseline.
Zverev initially appeared to be in trouble as he clutched his right knee but Sinner headed to the net to lift him up and play quickly.
After only two break points in two and three hours, another came in the next game. Soni, despite slipping in the middle, recovered to seize the opportunity, prompting Zverev to throw his racket in exasperation.
The gusty wind became a growing factor as the shadows extended across Center Court during the fourth set.
Sinner had previously lost to Alcaraz in a Grand Slam final and, sensing another chance at 3-3, played a brilliant return game, breaking his second break with a powerful forehand into the corner.
Zverev threw everything at Sinner when he tried to help it, the 24-year-old at one point left full on the court after diving for a volley.
But, as he did for almost the last two and a half years, the man from the Italian mountains had the answers, and he lay down on his back in the grass after powering the eventual winner.
Sinner vs Zverev: Tale of the Tape
Zverev, the first German to reach the men’s singles final since Boris Becker in 1995, was trying to be the first in the professional era. [since 1968] to win his second Grand Slam at the next event shortly after his first.
“Congratulations to Jannik, he showed again why he is the best player in the world,” the 6ft 6 said in German.
“It was great to share Center Court with you in the final, it’s a great honor to be here. Unfortunately it didn’t go my way.
“I am 29 years old, this year was the first time I believed that I could win this Wimbledon trophy.
“It’s very important to play on Center Court. It’s unique in the world.”
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