Jannik Sinner defends Wimbledon title, beats Alexander Zverev in four sets
London, July 13
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon men's singles title, defeating first-time finalist Alexander Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 to lift his fifth Grand Slam trophy and first major title of the 2026 season.
With the victory, Sinner became only the 10th player in history to retain the Wimbledon men's singles crown. The Italian also strengthened his dominance over Zverev, extending his winning streak against the German to 10 consecutive matches.
Sinner entered Wimbledon after an early second-round exit at the French Open in May, where he suffered a five-set defeat to Juan Manuel Cerundolo. Zverev, meanwhile, went on to win his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.
However, the Italian bounced back in style on the grass courts of the All England Club. After defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets in the semi-finals for the second successive year, Sinner carried his momentum into the title clash and produced a composed performance in windy conditions on Centre Court.
The opening set remained evenly contested as both players dominated on serve before Zverev edged the tie-break to take an early lead. Sinner responded strongly in the second-set tie-break, racing ahead before levelling the match.
The top seed then took control by breaking Zverev once each in the third and fourth sets, while saving the only break point he faced throughout the match. Sinner struck 58 winners and sealed victory after three hours and 46 minutes, collapsing to the court in celebration after converting his first championship point.
The triumph marks Sinner's sixth ATP title of the 2026 season, having earlier completed the Career Golden Masters with victory in Rome. It is also his first Grand Slam title since winning Wimbledon in 2025.
The 24-year-old will retain a comfortable lead at the top of the ATP Rankings, holding a 4,970-point advantage over Zverev, who is set to rise to World No. 2. Sinner also collected the Wimbledon champion's prize of £3.6 million.
For Zverev, the defeat ended hopes of becoming the first man in the Open Era to follow his maiden Grand Slam title with another major at the very next tournament. Despite the loss, the German enjoyed another strong campaign, reaching his second consecutive Grand Slam final.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Sinner is just incredible! After that early exit at French Open, to come back and defend Wimbledon like this… 6 titles this season and only 24 years old? The future of men's tennis is in safe hands. And that £3.6 million prize money, chalo koi baat nahi! 😂
Zverev played well in the first set, but Sinner just has that extra gear on grass. The way he saved that only break point he faced all match… solid as a rock! Zverev will be World No. 2 now, but he needs to figure out how to beat Sinner if he wants that No. 1 spot.
Sinner's 2026 season is just ridiculous. Career Golden Masters, now defending Wimbledon. The guy is becoming a legend. But I feel for Zverev – to finally win his first Slam and then lose the very next final? That's brutal. Great sportsmanship from both though. Respect.
Honestly, I'm starting to think Sinner will dominate for years. He's only 24! But I have a small criticism – his schedule management is a bit worrying. After that early French Open exit due to fatigue, he's back to playing non-stop. Hope he doesn't overdo it. Still, majestic performance today! 👏
3 hours 46 minute match and Sinner still hit 58 winners? Unbelievable fitness level! That 4,970-point lead at No. 1 is insane too – it's like he's playing a different
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