LONDON — Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon men’s singles title on Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4 to capture his fifth Grand Slam championship and strengthen his hold on the world No. 1 ranking.
The victory at the All England Club marked Sinner’s second consecutive Wimbledon title. It also extended his remarkable ability to rebound from setbacks, adding another major trophy to his growing résumé.
Sinner Overcomes Slow Start to Retain Wimbledon Crown
The final was evenly contested through the opening two sets before Sinner gradually took control.
After losing the first-set tiebreak, the Italian answered by winning the second-set tiebreak. He then claimed the final two sets to secure the championship.
Sinner celebrated by dropping to the grass after sealing victory with a forehand winner down the line.
“This one means a lot because (it) was a tough one after Paris again,” Sinner said. “I’m proud of myself and my team, which continues to push me in the right direction.”
The title continued a familiar pattern in Sinner’s career. He has repeatedly bounced back from difficult moments, including disappointment at the French Open, to win major championships.
Wimbledon Run Showcases Resilience
After his French Open exit this season, Sinner underwent medical examinations in Milan. He did not compete again until Wimbledon.
He faced an early test in the opening round, needing five sets to defeat Miomir Kecmanovic after twice recovering from a set down.
From that point, Sinner did not drop another set until the championship match. Along the way, he defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to reach the final.
Coach Darren Cahill said Sinner’s ability to recover mentally from setbacks has become one of his defining strengths.
According to Cahill, the team takes particular pride in how the Italian responds after disappointing defeats, describing that resilience as a hallmark of his development.
Zverev Hampered After Third-Set Slip
The match turned midway through the third set.
At 3-3, Zverev earned his only break point of the afternoon. Sinner answered with a drop shot that forced the German forward. Zverev slipped on the grass and appeared to hyperextend his right knee while changing direction.
Sinner crossed the net to help his opponent before play resumed.
Although Zverev continued, he appeared limited by the injury. Moments later, he missed a forehand to surrender the first service break of the match. That gave Sinner a 5-3 lead, and the Italian served out the set.
Despite the defeat, Zverev said the tournament had given him confidence that he could eventually win Wimbledon.
“He showed once again why he’s the best player in the world,” Zverev said of Sinner.
Records and Rankings
Sinner collected his fifth Grand Slam title and extended his winning streak against Zverev to 10 matches.
According to The Associated Press, he also became the first player since Roger Federer in 2003 to win the Wimbledon men’s singles title without being broken in either the semifinal or final. Sinner faced one break point in each match and saved both.
He finished the final with 58 winners and 25 unforced errors, while Zverev recorded 49 winners and 45 unforced errors. The German led 17-15 in aces.
Despite the loss, Zverev will move ahead of Carlos Alcaraz into the No. 2 spot in the ATP rankings released Monday. Alcaraz missed both the French Open and Wimbledon this year because of a right wrist injury.
Royal Box Draws High-Profile Guests
Britain’s Prince William, Catherine, Princess of Wales, and two of their children watched the final from the Royal Box. Actors Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman and Ben Stiller were also in attendance.
During the trophy presentation, Sinner described Wimbledon as the finest venue in tennis.
The women’s singles title was decided Saturday, when Linda Noskova defeated fellow Czech Karolina Muchova to win her first Grand Slam championship.
This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.
Article Topics: Wimbledon | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Zverev | Grand Slam | ATP Tour | Tennis | World No. 1
