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 44 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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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!!!
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
Absolutely amazing defence by Sinner! He grins to the crowd as he somehow makes an absurd get after a lengthy, tense baseline rally. Match point!
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
Zverev fires long on the forehand. 15-0.
He gets one back though as a Sinner drop shot – not a shot that ever fills a viewer with confidence – is too heavily telegraphed, and he volleys in. 15-15.
Zverev signals to the crowd to make some noise as he wins an absurd point, the pair trading blows from every corner of the court, Sinner lobbing him and then diving to a volley but sending it long. 15-30.
A great serve and passing shot brings up 30-30 and more fist pumps from Sinner.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
Zverev is visibly unhappy but channels some of that frustration into a couple more aces.
He gets to 40-0 but Sinner plays a chunky backhand into the far corner to nick a point back.
And Zverev goes long for 40-30… how are the nerves?
He holds with a big serve out wide and winner into the opposite corner. Sinner will serve for the Championship!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-3 Alexander Zverev*
Long goes Zverev on the forehand. He’s chuntering properly to his box now as another error puts Sinner 30-0 up.
Zverev sends a return into the net… and Sinner puts a backhand down the line to move ONE GAME AWAY from a second Wimbledon title.
