Sinner shatters Zverev’s Wimbledon dream, retains crown

World number one Jannik Sinner fought back from a set down to defeat Alexander Zverev and successfully defend his Wimbledon title on Sunday.

The Italian produced a clinical display to secure a 6-7 (7/9), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3, 6-4 victory after three hours and 46 minutes on Centre Court.

Zverev edged a tense opening set through a tie-break, but Sinner refused to panic and levelled the contest after dominating the second-set breaker.

The defending champion then stepped up the pressure, breaking Zverev’s serve in both the third and fourth sets to take control of the final.

Victory handed the 24-year-old his fifth Grand Slam title and his second consecutive Wimbledon crown.

It was also Sinner’s 100th win at the four major tournaments, leaving him two Grand Slam titles behind injured rival Carlos Alcaraz.

Sinner finished the contest with 58 winners and just 25 unforced errors as he ended Zverev’s 13-match winning run at major tournaments.

The triumph marked a strong response from the Italian after his shock French Open exit last month, when he surrendered a two-set lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in the second round.

Sinner also survived an early scare at Wimbledon, coming from behind to beat Miomir Kecmanovic in five sets in the opening round.

He was largely dominant after that match and ended the tournament with an impressive 44-3 record for the season and a sixth title in 2026.

For Zverev, the defeat ended his hopes of becoming the first German man to win Wimbledon since Michael Stich in 1991.

The French Open champion had never previously reached the Wimbledon quarter-finals in nine appearances, but arrived in the final enjoying the best grass-court run of his career.

Zverev took his first set from Sinner in seven meetings, but could not end a losing streak against the Italian that has now stretched to 10 matches.

The German showed his frustration after losing serve in the third set, throwing his racquet across the grass after a forehand error handed Sinner the decisive break.

There was also a worrying moment when Zverev slipped while chasing a drop shot and clutched his knee.

Sinner immediately crossed the net to check on him before the German returned to his feet and continued the match.

Zverev battled on, but Sinner broke again for a 4-3 lead in the fourth set and served out the championship.

The Italian sealed victory with a forehand winner on his first match point before falling to the turf in celebration.