Reactions as Sinner edges Zverev to retain Wimbledon title
Jannik Sinner produced a hard-fought 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4 victory over Alexander Zverev to retain the Wimbledon Open title on Sunday at the All England Club.
Sinner and Zverev produced an early contender for the first point of the match in the first game, when the German punched a volleyed winner into the open court on the 22nd shot of a bruising baseline rally.
Sinner’s first opening came at 3-4, but the Italian could only mishit a forehand on break point, with Zverev then finding first serves to level at 4-4.
With no break points on offer through the 12 games of the second set, Sinner drew level in the tie-break. The top seed raced to a 4/0 lead and hugged the baseline to dominate and level.
In the seventh game of the third set, Zverev conjured his first break point of the match when he drew an error from Sinner. The Italian hit a drop shot to save the break point, with the German slipping and hitting the deck.
Sinner closed out the game with a diving volley and a deft drop shot, to maintain his dominant record against Zverev and to win a second consecutive Wimbledon Open title.
He became the 10th player to successfully defend the Wimbledon men’s singles title, it was also his fifth major trophy and his first this year.
The Italian has now earned victory in his past 10 meetings against Zverev (11-4) and has won 17 of their past 18 sets.
Sinner was delighted to emerge victorious in the encounter.
He said: “It has been an amazing final once again. It always takes two players. I’m very happy about the win but also about the level we played.
“It’s amazing. To Alex – he got his first Grand Slam in Paris this year, and he was so, so close today. If he keeps playing like this, I am sure he will have this Wimbledon trophy soon.
Read Also: Why Tuchel is unhappy with England’s performance despite Norway victory
“We both started very well, serving very fast. Myself and my team prepared very well. My mum had to leave the stadium a couple of times! It was an amazing final. It takes two players.
“We tried to give everything we have, I’m happy about the win, but I’m also happy about the level we both played at. There is no better place to play tennis, honestly.
“I could feel the nerves when I woke up, and this is a very, very special day. I never take it for granted. This crowd has given me the most special feeling you can have as a tennis player.”
Meanwhile, Zverev congratulated Sinner for winning the Wimbledon Open title for the second consecutive year.
He said: “Congratulations to Jannik, he showed once again why he’s the best player in the world.
“It was great to share Centre Court with you for the final, it’s a great honour to be here. Unfortunately it didn’t go my way.
“At 29-years-old, this year was the first time I actually believed I could win this Wimbledon trophy.
“It’s very special playing at Centre Court. The most unique in the entire world.”
Sinner is one of two men (and the youngest) to complete the career Golden Masters in singles.
Linda Noskova beat Karolina Muchova in an all-Czech women’s final on Saturday for her first Grand Slam title.
