Sinner edges Zverev in four-set Wimbledon final to defend title, 10th straight win over German

Tight opening sets decided in tie-breaks

Both players entered the final in commanding serving form, and the opening exchanges showed why. The first set produced only one break point, which Sinner could not convert in the eighth game. Zverev capitalised on the deadlock by taking the tie-break 9-7, clinching it on his second set point with an aggressive forehand that caught the line. The second set followed a similar pattern, with neither man earning a single break point. This time Sinner dominated the tie-break, surging to a 4-0 lead on the return and closing it 7-2 with a Zverev backhand error.

A slip shifts the momentum

The third set broke the stalemate. At 3-3, Zverev earned a break point but slipped and fell, grabbing his knee in visible pain. He continued without a physio, yet the moment proved decisive. Sinner held serve and then broke immediately afterward, winning a point despite falling to the court himself. The Italian closed the set 6-3 on his first set point. The fourth set saw Zverev regain his level but continue to make more unforced errors than in the early stages. The pivotal seventh game again went Sinner's way, a break to 4-3 sealed with a forehand winner. He held serve and converted his first match point with another forehand winner.

It's an incredible feeling. I wanted to first congratulate Sascha and his team. You recently achieved your goal, a Grand Slam title. You were very close to winning Wimbledon. If you keep playing like this, you'll win this trophy, I'm certain.

Sinner's growing Grand Slam collection

Sinner becomes the 10th man in the Open Era to defend the Wimbledon title. The victory is his fifth major, adding to his Australian Open wins in 2024 and 2025, his US Open triumph in 2024, and his first Wimbledon crown in 2025. The win also extends his head-to-head dominance over Zverev to 11-4, with 10 consecutive victories since the German's last win in 2023, when Zverev led the rivalry 4-1.

Winning Wimbledon again is amazing. I'm also happy that this was a final at the highest level. There is no better place to play tennis. You feel the nerves when you wake up on Sunday morning. It's a special Sunday, you never know how many times you'll be able to come back.

Zverev's rise and what comes next

Despite the defeat, Zverev's run to his first Wimbledon final marks a career breakthrough at the All England Club, where he had never previously passed the fourth round before 2026. Fresh off his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros a month earlier, the German showed greater confidence on grass throughout the tournament, reaching the final without dropping a set to Arthur Fery in the semi-finals. He will rise to a career-high number two in the ATP rankings, displacing the injured Carlos Alcaraz. Sinner, addressing Zverev directly on court, noted that the top ranking itself is within reach for his rival.

Your next goal, being world number one, is also not far away. I have to be very careful, but once again I congratulate you.