LONDON — Jannik Sinner was at his clinical best as he successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a bruising four-set victory over French Open champion Alexander Zverev in the final.
The world No 1 recovered from losing the first set in a match largely dominated by serve, eventually wearing Zverev down to secure a 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 win.
“You can feel the nerves; it is a very special place,” said Sinner, who saved the only break point he faced on Centre Court.
“You never know how many times you are going to come back. I never take it for granted.”
The Italian was rewarded for his perseverance in an attritional contest with his first Grand Slam title since lifting the trophy at the All England Club 12 months ago.
Sinner’s fifth Slam crown is just two behind the majors’ tally of his injured rival Carlos Alcaraz after notching his 100th match win at tennis’ four biggest events.
He hit 58 winners against only 25 unforced errors in three hours and 46 minutes on Centre Court, refusing to buckle against an in-form Zverev who brought a 13-match winning streak at the Slams into the final.
“It has been an amazing final once again. It takes two players,” added Sinner, who banks the winner’s prize of £3.6 million ($4.8 million).
“I’m very happy about the win, but I’m mostly very happy about the level we played,” Sinner noted according to AFP.
Sinner has banished the memories of his shock second-round exit from the French Open at the hands of Juan Manuel Cerundolo when he blew a two-set lead last month.
The closest Sinner came to crashing out of Wimbledon was in the first round when he had to come from behind to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in five sets.
It was plain sailing from then on for Sinner, who has become a fearsome force on grass.
The 24-year-old now boasts a remarkable 44-3 win-loss record this year after winning his sixth title of the season.
