Sinner retains Wimbledon crown in four-set battle with Zverev, claiming fifth major and second straight title
The world No.1 rallied from a set down on Centre Court, sealing a 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 victory in nearly four hours to become the 10th man in the Open Era to successfully defend the Wimbledon men's singles trophy.
Jannik Sinner overcame Alexander Zverev in four sets on Sunday to win Wimbledon for the second straight year, a 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 victory that gave the Italian his fifth Grand Slam crown and extended his head-to-head streak over the German to 10 consecutive wins. The final, played before a Centre Court crowd that included the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George and Princess Charlotte, lifted Sinner to his 100th career Grand Slam match win.
How the match unfolded
Both players traded heavy baseline blows in a first set decided by a 9-7 tiebreak, Zverev firing a forehand winner to clinch it. Sinner then dominated the second-set tiebreak 7-2 to level. The third set stayed on serve until the eighth game, when a Zverev slip left the second seed clutching his right knee on the turf. Sinner crossed to help him up, then broke immediately for 5-3 and served out the set 6-3. A single break in the fourth set, for 4-3, was all Sinner needed; he collapsed to the threadbare grass after converting match point.
- Zverev wins 7-6(7) with a forehand winner
- Sinner levels match, dominating tiebreak 7-2
- Zverev slips, clutches right knee; Sinner helps him up
- Sinner breaks for 5-3, wins set 6-3
- Sinner breaks for 4-3 and closes match 6-4
Sinner's words
After receiving the trophy from the Princess of Wales, Sinner thanked his team and his mother, who was watching from the stands.
I saw Mum leave a couple of times because of the tension. It was a very beautiful final. I'm happy for the win but also for the level we both played. There is no more special place to play tennis.
He also told Zverev that the German's recent French Open triumph proved he would eventually win in London.
You achieved one of your goals, winning a Slam in Paris. This match was so hard-fought that I am sure you will manage to win here in London. I have to be very careful if you want to become No.1.
Zverev's response
Zverev, who had never passed the Wimbledon quarter-finals before this fortnight, was upbeat despite a 10th straight loss to the world No.1.
First of all, Jannik, I don't really like you any more. You've beaten me too many times. But once again you showed why you are the best player in the world.
The 29-year-old added that the tournament had transformed his belief on grass: "I came here never having played a quarter-final and today I was in the final. Now I believe I can win this trophy."
Political applause in Italy
Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni reacted on Instagram, writing that Sinner had written "another page of history for Italian sport. Thank you, champion." Vice-premier and foreign minister Antonio Tajani posted on X, "Winner of Wimbledon, once again. Italy embraces its champion. Thank you, Jannik!" Opposition leader Giuseppe Conte called the victory "What a match, what a Wimbledon, what an absolute phenomenon!" while vice-premier Matteo Salvini wrote "Immense Sinner! Azzurri pride."
A record-book defence
Sinner becomes the 10th man in the professional era to retain the Wimbledon title, joining names such as Federer, Djokovic and Sampras. With five majors at age 24, he trails only big rival Carlos Alcaraz, holder of seven Slam titles. The Italian's 100th Grand Slam match win arrived in his second Wimbledon final, and the victory kept him comfortably atop the rankings ahead of a returning Zverev, who will rise to world No.2 on Monday.
