Ice-cold Jannik Sinner battles fierce Alexander Zverev to retain Wimbledon crown

Jannik Sinner dropped to the grass on Center Court and looked up at the London sky as another Wimbledon dream came true. The world number one held off a spirited challenge from Alexander Zverev to win 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 on Sunday, needing three hours and 46 minutes to defend her crown and claim a fifth Grand Slam title.

For nearly three hours, Zverev dealt with Sinner shot after shot and looked like he could pull off an upset. However, the momentum shifted in the third set when the German landed awkwardly on his right knee. Sinner seized control from there and broke serve for the first time in the match as he cruised to his second straight Wimbledon title.

The triumph marked a remarkable comeback for the Italian, who suffered heartbreak at the French Open after suffering a shock defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Yet Sinner responded in emphatic fashion, displaying his devastating serve, relentless returns and unwavering composure under pressure.

At just 24, Sinner already has five Grand Slam titles and has firmly established himself among the game’s greats. He has now won 10 straight matches against Zverev, claiming his 30th career title and becoming only the fourth world No.1 after Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic to defend his Wimbledon crown.

ZVEREV DRAWS FIRST BLOOD

Alexander Zverev struck the first blow in the Wimbledon final, overcoming Jannik Sinner 7-6(7) in a thrilling opening set that lasted one hour and seven minutes on Center Court. In a battle dominated by strong serves, neither player managed to find a decisive break as the set headed to a tie-break after 12 fierce games.

Zverev matched the world No.1 blow-to-blow throughout the opening period, repeatedly holding serve with authority and keeping Sinner under constant pressure. The German survived his worst scare at 4-4 and recovered from break point after Sinner fought back from 40-15. Moments later, Zverev made sure the set would be decided in a tie-break with a stunning backhand winner.

The breaker itself turned out to be a thrilling battle, with both players trading aces and spectacular winners. Sinner looked set to maintain his dominance over his rival, but Zverev seized the opportunity to level at 7-7 with a thunderous backhand before producing an ace to claim set point.

The French Open champion finished the job in style, hitting a forehand winner before Sinner to claim his first set against the Italian since the 2025 Vienna Open final and end a 14-set losing streak to his rival.

THE SINNER REFLECTS

Jannik Sinner responded in style after losing the opening set, producing a poised and clinical display to set up a Wimbledon final against Alexander Zverev. After missing out on a thrilling first-set tie-break, the world number one looked determined to avoid falling behind further as he gradually found his rhythm in the second set.

Although both players continued to dominate on serve, Sinner looked increasingly comfortable as the set progressed. The Italian made a declaration of hold to love midway through the set and repeatedly put the pressure on Zverev, though neither could find the elusive break of serve.

With the score tied again at 6-6, the second set headed into another tie-break, but this time Sinner was in complete control. The 23-year-old raced to a 4-0 lead, punishing a series of mistakes from his opponent and refusing to let his advantage slip away.

Zverev briefly threatened a comeback but Sinner quickly settled things with a superb forehand winner before sealing the breaker when the German sent a backhand long to level the match after two hours and eight minutes.

SINNER STILL TURN THE SCREWS

Jannik Sinner gradually got tougher in the third set in the Wimbledon final and increased the pressure on Alexander Zverev with each subsequent match. Although the German repeatedly closed the door after Sinner got ahead on his serve, the world number one continued to probe and refused to let his intensity drop after more than two and a half hours of quality tennis.

Zverev came closest to breaking the deadlock when he got the first break point of the match and threatened to take control of the match. However, Sinner responded brilliantly under the pressure, producing a string of intrepid winners that escaped to hold the set on serve.

The momentum of the match began to change during a dramatic exchange moments later. Chasing the ball on the break, Zverev slipped on the grass and landed awkwardly on his right knee, immediately wincing in pain. Despite the magnitude of the occasion, Sinner immediately went over the net to check on his opponent and help him back to his feet, earning a hearty round of applause from the Center Court crowd.

Soon after, the Italian sensed his chance. With Zverev serving at 40-15, Sinner raised his game and earned the first break of the final before finishing the set 6-3 with a dominant hold and a trademark ace.

SINNER FINISHES IT IN STYLE

Jannik Sinner ended the Wimbledon final in style, producing a composed service game to defend his crown after a riveting battle that lasted more than three-and-a-half hours on Center Court. The Italian weathered several storms in the fourth set, repeatedly holding his nerve whenever Alexander Zverev threatened a comeback.

Having already broken serve to move 4-3 ahead, Sinner tightened his grip on the match with a commanding love hold before standing up and serving for the championship. Zverev managed to extend the final with a solid service game of his own, but the pressure remained firmly on the German to find a way through Sinner’s formidable serve.

However, the world number one refused to give up. Sinner showed the composure that has defined his rise to the top and sealed victory with a brilliant forehand winner. When Zverev missed the ball, the Italian collapsed on the grass to celebrate his fifth Grand Slam title.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

Jul 13, 2026 0:48 AM IST