World number one Jannik Sinner won his first Wimbledon title by wearing down Carlos Alcaraz in another high-quality Grand Slam final between the dominant forces of the men’s game.
Italy’s Sinner claimed a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory at the All England Club, avenging his brutal French Open defeat by Spanish world number two Alcaraz just 35 days ago.
Then, Sinner led by two sets – and held three championship points – before Alcaraz roared back to win a five-set classic lasting more than five hours.
Now, the 23-year-old has responded by taking two-time defending champion Alcaraz’s crown on the Centre Court grass, following another gripping contest which again showcased the pair’s shot-making, athleticism and star power.
“It is so special,” Sinner said. “I’m living my dream.”
Sinner, who served a three-month doping ban earlier this year, has claimed the fourth Grand Slam title of his career and a first major victory not on a hard court.
A composed and clinical performance from the top seed ended Alcaraz’s 24-match winning streak.
The manner in which he served out victory from going a break up at 3-1 in the fourth set – given his experience in Paris last month – was admirable.
There was a moment of knowing consternation among Sinner’s supporters when he missed a first match point, but he reset to take his second opportunity before dropping to his haunches at the net.
Sinner’s win stopped 22-year-old Alcaraz from becoming only the fifth man in the Open era to win three consecutive Wimbledon titles.
“It is always difficult to lose, but first of all I have to congratulate Jannik again,” Alcaraz said.
“It is a really well-deserved trophy. He has been playing great tennis and will continue to be a great rival.”
‘You have to accept the losses’ – resilient Sinner bounces back
Jannik Sinner is the first Italian player to win a Wimbledon singles title
What makes Sinner so special above all else is his mentality.
The man from the mountains in northern Italy regularly remains ice-cold in the most decisive matches – which is why his fumble against Alcaraz in Paris felt so surprising.
Little appears to faze the mild-mannered Italian – on or off court.
He was able to stay sanguine during the doping controversy which rocked the sport and the manner in which he has moved on quickly from the brutal nature of his Roland Garros defeat has been impressive.
“I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how you win or lose – you just have to understand what you did wrong,” Sinner said during his on-court speech.
“We accepted the loss, kept working and that’s why I’m holding this trophy.”
Sinner had shown more resilience over the Wimbledon fortnight by fighting through an elbow injury which needed an MRI scan.
However, he also had a huge slice of fortune. Trailing by two sets to love in his fourth-round match against Grigor Dimitrov, Sinner advanced when his luckless opponent retired with a pectoral injury.
