Sinner Defeats Zverev To Win Second Straight Wimbledon Title
Jannik Sinner captured the fifth major title of his career as the top-ranked Italian defeated Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 to successfully defend his Wimbledon title on Sunday afternoon.
“We both started off very well. We prepared in the best possible way, me and my team, so I have to thank the whole team and the whole support I get from the whole box,” said Sinner. “It has been an amazing final once again and it always takes two players and Sascha and I tried to give everything we had. I am very happy about the win, but also the level that we both played.”
Zverev was coming off of his first major title with his triumph at the French Open, while Sinner was looking to rebound from a disappointing second round exit at Roland Garros where his conditioning let him down.
Both players were highly-effective on serve in the opening set which sent it into a tiebreaker, with the French Open champion taking the frame to seize the match’s early advantage.
The second set would play out similarly with neither players even facing a break point through the first 12 games resulting in a tiebreaker, but this time, it was Sinner who would come out on top to even things at one-set-all.
The turning point of the final came at 4-3 in the third set. Sinner had saved a break point in his previous service game, and proceeded to break Zverev in the eighth-game to take the decisive 5-3 lead. A game later, he served out the set to move within one of a second straight Wimbledon crown.
At 3-3 in the fourth set, Sinner ripped a forehand winner to claim the set’s key break. A couple of games later, the Italian served out the match and the championship to become the 10th player to successfully defend their Wimbledon title.
“There is no better place to play tennis,” said Sinner. “You can feel the nerves Sunday morning waking up and it is a very special day and you never know how many times you will be able to come back on Sunday, so I never take things for granted.”
Sinner was not broken throughout the match and fired 58 winners to claim the championship. He spoke glowingly of Zverev during the trophy ceremony.
“You reached one of your main goals, winning Grand Slams and you made it happen in Paris and today you were so, so close,” he said. “If you play like this, I am very sure you will have this one at home as well. I know your goal is to become No. 1 in the world as well and you are very close.”
Zverev said:
“Congratulations to Jannik. He showed once again why he is the best player in the world. It was great to share Centre Court with you on finals weekend, it is great to be here. To my team. We’ve had a pretty good two months even though we lost this final. An amazing two months.”
