World number one Jannik Sinner retained the Wimbledon title after overpowering French Open champion Alexander Zverev in four edgy sets on the historic grounds of the All England Club on Sunday.
Top seed Jannik Sinner completed his Wimbledon title defense, coming from behind to seal a 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 win over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, his 100th at a major, in three hours and 46 minutes.
During the trophy ceremony, the two-time champion said: "We both started very well, serving very fast; 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."
Adding: "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."
A packed Center Court witnessed a brilliant duel for The Championships men's singles crown, courtesy of the top two seeds, whose path to the final has been exceptional.
Competing in his first final at SW19, Zverev took the lead by winning a tight first-set tiebreak 7-6(7) in 65 minutes.
The German arrived in London off the back of capturing his maiden Grand Slam at the French Open last month.
Feeling confident as ever in his game, the 29-year-old stayed flawless on serve, playing with aggression and depth to deliver dominant performances over two weeks on British soil.
“Congratulations to Jannik. He showed once again why he is the best player in the world,” Zverev asserted during the trophy presentation. “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. We came into Wimbledon having never reached a quarterfinal, and we played a first Wimbledon final. At 29 years old, this is the first time I believe I can win this trophy.”
The ball striking in the second set was phenomenal, sometimes missing the line by millimeters in their baseline exchanges. The serving masterclass from both sides of the net was the cherry on top of the pie.
Trailing by a set, the relentless Italian found his way back into the final, pushing the second set into a tiebreak.
On a roll, he landed a forehand into the back of the court, building a 3-0 lead which he extended to 4-0.
Ultimately, the world No. 1 withstood the heavy pressure, turning defence into attack with perfection, closing it out 7-6(2) in 63 minutes to level the match at one set apiece.
Neither player conceded a break of serve through the first two sets.
A year ago, the defending champion became the first Italian to win the grass-court major in history, battling back from a set down to prevail in four sets over Carlos Alcaraz, who was chasing a three-peat on British soil.
Heading into the third set, the San Candido native seemed more confident, and soon, in an intense, physical, tight contest, he found an edge over the fifth German to reach the men's final at Wimbledon.
The Hamburg-born earned his first break point opportunity, but the No.1 Italian saved it, executing a drop shot to hold 4-3.
The 25-time ATP titlist went after the ball but slid and fell on his left knee; luckily, it was just a scare.
Momentum shifted in the eighth game as Zverev double-faulted, gifting the defending champion a break point he converted for the first time, managing to stay in the point despite losing his footwork.
Having found an extra gear, Sinner moved one set away from retaining the crown.
Both players fought until the last ball; Zverev was, at times, unplayable, though in the end, Sinner got the better of his opponent, wrapping up the fourth set 6-4 and a high-level final in style, without dropping his serve all match.
Meanwhile, the right-handed player might have finished runner-up, but on Monday he will match his career high of world No. 2, continuing his run of form with plenty to come.
Furthermore, the player Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill shared a few words with his adversary, outlining: "Sascha, you reached one of your main goals: winning Grand Slams. You made it happen in Paris.
"Today you were so, so close. If you keep playing like this, I’m sure you’re going to have this one at home as well. So amazing, keep going."
"I know another goal is for you to become number one in the world. You are very close. I have to be very careful now! But congrats," he said with a smile.
On to the next one!