Alexander Zverev’s runner-up finish supports the belief that he can one day win Wimbledon

Alexander Zverev’s dream of winning the Wimbledon trophy ended in heartbreak on Sunday, but the German center court left was convinced his breakthrough run showed he has what it takes to become the All England Club champion.

The 29-year-old was beaten 6-7(7) 7-6(2) 6-3 6-4 by world number one Jannik Sinner, who retained his title and extended his winning streak over Zverev to 10 matches to claim a fifth Grand Slam crown.

Yet, rather than dwell on another painful defeatZverev chose to reflect on how far he has come in a summer that began with his first Grand Slam title at the French Open and ended with his first appearance in the Wimbledon final.

“At 29 years old, this is the first time I really believe that I can win this trophy,” Zverev said when presenting the trophy.

Sinner vs Zverev, Wimbledon Men’s Singles Final: Update

THE BREAKTHROUGH CAMPAIGN

Just a few weeks ago, this belief would have seemed improbable. Prior to this year’s championships, the world number three had never advanced past the quarter-finals at Wimbledon, despite having one of the biggest serves and cleanest backhands.

A confident grassroots campaign changed that. Victories over Jiří Lehecká, Taylor Fritz and British wild card Arthur Fery took him to his first final, becoming the first German since Boris Becker in 1995 to reach the title match at Wimbledon. Jannik Sinner shakes hands with Alexander Zverev after winning the Wimbledon final. (Image: Reuters)

Against Sinner, Zverev showed why he now believes he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage. He won a fiercely contested opening set tiebreak and matched the defending champion for years before Sinner’s consistency and relentless pressure turned the match. Even after falling painfully to his right knee in the third set, Zverev fought back before the Italian finally pulled away.

PRAISE FOR THE SINNER

Despite extending his losing streak against Sinner, Zverev was quick to congratulate the Italian, joking that he no longer liked him after losing to him so many times, before calling him “the best player in the world”.

He also praised Sinner’s team for taking the Italian from the world top 10 to the pinnacle of men’s tennis, describing their success as the product of years of collective effort.

Zverev reserved special thanks for his own team and the Wimbledon crowd, saying the support he had received over the fortnight was unlike anything he had experienced at the tournament before. Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev pose with trophies after the men’s singles final at Wimbledon. (Image: Reuters)

“I’ve never felt such support at Wimbledon before,” he said. “You guys are a big part of why I made it to the finals.

He concluded by describing Center Court as the most unique tennis court and said that playing in front of the Royal Box made reaching the Wimbledon final even more special.

While Sinner walked away with the trophy again, Zverev left with something he’s never had before on the south-west London lawns: a genuine belief that the Gentlemen’s Singles title is within his reach.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

13 Jul 2026 01:09 IST