Jannik Sinner outlasted Alexander Zverev in a titanic battle of big serving to retain his Wimbledon crown and win his fifth grand slam title.
The world No 1 prevailed through four extremely tight sets, winning 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2) 6-3, 6-4 in a final that featured just two breaks of serve in three hours and 46 minutes. Both went Sinner’s way after the first two tiebreak sets were split, with the 24-year-old Italian digging deep in both the third and fourth to deny Zverev back-to-back grand slam titles.
Sinner suffered a shock second-round exit from the French Open last month, as he wilted in the intense Paris heat, and took his time to find his form as he returned to the grass before thumping Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. His victory over Zverev is his 10th consecutive win against the German.
Zverev, 29, was bidding to become the first man in the Open era to win a second grand slam title immediately after their first, following his maiden breakthrough at last month’s French Open. Zverev’s first Wimbledon final was clouded by domestic abuse allegations that have marred his career, and which he has always strenuously denied.
Follow latest scores and updates from Wimbledon, below
Wimbledon LIVE: Latest tennis scores and updates
- Jannik Sinner grinds down Alexander Zverev to defend Wimbledon title after marathon final
- FOURTH SET! Sinner prevails in three hours and 46 minutes to win fifth grand slam title
- THIRD SET! Sinner breaks Zverev's serve for first time before serving out the set
- SECOND SET! Sinner makes breakthrough as he steps up level to win tiebreak 7-2
- FIRST SET! Zverev blasts forehand winner to win tight first set 9-7 on the tiebreak
- Linda Noskova overcomes major wobble to beat Karolina Muchova in women's final
- ‘Incredible’ Tokito Oda defeats Alfie Hewett 6-1 6-1 to retain Wimbledon title
Jannik Sinner believes tennis ‘needs Carlos Alcaraz’ after Wimbledon final victory
07:00 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner welcomed the competition from Alexander Zverev after defending his Wimbledon title to win a fifth grand slam title and hoped that rival Carlos Alcaraz will return soon to provide even more.
Sinner overcame a tough four-set battle against Zverev as the Italian managed to bounce back from a difficult French Open for a second year in a row to become a two-time champion at the Championships.
The world No 1 had won his last nine matches in a row against Zverev, winning 14 sets in a row, but this was much closer that previous meetings and the the final could have gone either way until Sinner found the crucial break in the third.
Sinner and Zverev, who ended his long wait for a grand slam title at last month’s French Open, have split the major titles while Alcaraz has been sidelined due to a wrist injury. The Spaniard is attempting to return in time for the hard-court season and could play the US Open.
Jannik Sinner believes tennis ‘needs Carlos Alcaraz’ after Wimbledon final victory
Zverev hoping to now rival Sinner and Alcaraz for more grand slam titles
06:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“I think this year has been progress. I think I've been pushing those guys. I haven't beaten them this year, but I've pushed them to the limits, I would say.
“Alcaraz in Australia, Jannik maybe here. Even though it was four sets, I think it was a very close four sets, which could have gone five as well.
”I think that's the goal. That's what I'm working on my game for. There was always, like, this conversation who will be the third guy, the search for the third guy.
“Kind of the last couple years, I've always been the third guy, but I was just far away from those two.
“But I've always been number three in a way. So if I get closer to them, if I can be in the mix of of course competing and winning the big tournaments with them, alongside them, it would be great.”
Jannik Sinner on the 'key' to victory in Wimbledon final
05:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“The conditions were very warm, but it was also windy, and it was really tough to break, especially from the side where the Royal Box is, because you played against the wind. It was very tough to return.
“Then at some point, the sun went down, so you couldn't see very well the ball, as well. I tried to understand where the best position would be to return his serve, but it's so difficult that you can stand very close, but also very far. If he serves like this, it's so tough to get into the rally.
“I had my chances, I felt like, in the third set in the beginning, was 0-30, where I made a couple of wrong choices. That's tennis, because you cannot be perfect for four hours, five hours.
“Honestly, I just tried to accept the situation and be as present as possible with the right attitude. I think this today was the biggest key, to be honest.”
Jannik Sinner on how he faced only one break point in a four-hour match
04:00 , Jamie Braidwood
“I don't know,” he smiles. “It's just staying in the moment, to be honest. If you lose serve once, the set is over, most likely. Especially playing against Sascha. Against the best players in the world, you need to be very careful on your own service games.
“I have improved throughout the whole tournament. If you see the performance from the first two, three matches, then how I ended the tournament, it has been always growing. That's exactly what I needed. I was looking for this improvement, a player improvement, from my side. We made it happen.
“Of course, mentally you need to make the switch, as well, to be able to do so. But I'm very happy how I handled the situation, especially this year. Yeah, now it's time to enjoy.”
Jannik Sinner praises Alexander Zverev's progress
03:00 , Flo Clifford
“Big, big respect to Sascha, because he's doing something amazing. His game is growing and growing.
“In the same time, that's exactly what's good, because you have always someone who is pushing you to the limit. We hope that Carlos is coming back, as well, because tennis needs him. Having Novak still around, having all the young players coming, it's really, really nice.
“At the same time, you always need to work hard and have moments like this.”
How much will Jannik Sinner take home for winning Wimbledon?
02:00 , Flo Clifford
Men’s and women’s singles
First round - £80,000
Second round - £126,000
Third round - £185,000
Fourth round - £300,000
Quarter-finals - £480,000
Semi-finals - £900,000
Runner-up - £1.8m
Winner - £3.6m
Overall increase from 2025: 22%
How much will Jannik Sinner take home for winning Wimbledon?
01:00 , Flo Clifford
Record prize money is on offer at this year’s Wimbledon, with the eventual winners of the men’s and women’s singles titles each receiving £3.6m.
Prize money was a contentious subject ahead of the 2026 Championships, leading Wimbledon to announce its biggest ever single-year uplift in an attempt to appease unhappy players.
The All England Club revealed a 20 per cent increase, with the total prize pot rising to £64.2m from last year’s £53.5m. Prize money for qualifying also increased to £6.2m.
Jannik Sinner on the key moments against Alexander Zverev
00:20 , Flo Clifford
“I had my chances, I felt like, in the third set in the beginning, was love-30, where I made a couple of wrong choices. That's tennis, because you cannot be perfect for four hours, five hours.
“Honestly, I just tried to accept the situation and be as present as possible with the right attitude. I think this today was the biggest key, to be honest.
“I tried to understand, especially in the important moments, second-set tiebreak, trying to understand where is he going. It was still very close, even though it was 7-2. When you change on 4-2, you know you have to make this point with my own serve, because if not, it's 4-3. With big servers, you can be 5-4 down.
“Of course, the return is so important, as well. From my point of view, it's more important trying to keep the service games, and then you see what's coming with the return game.”
BBC commentator Tim Henman on Sinner:
00:00 , Flo Clifford
“It just emphasises how accomplished Sinner is on all surfaces.
“We expected him to be up there winning hard court Grand Slams. The one he hasn't got yet is the French Open but the way he's playing on grass is phenomenal.
“It's not how we used to know grass-court tennis, he doesn't come to the net that much, but his movement, serving quality and power from the back of the court was so impressive.”
Jannik Sinner on staying focused and avoiding being broken
23:50 , Flo Clifford
“I don't know,” he says. “It's just staying in the moment, to be honest. If you lose serve once, the set is over, most likely. Especially playing against Sascha. Against the best players in the world, you need to be very careful on your own service games.
“I have improved throughout the whole tournament. If you see the performance from the first two, three matches, then how I ended the tournament, it has been always growing. That's exactly what I needed. I was looking for this improvement, a player improvement, from my side. We made it happen.
“Of course, mentally you need to make the switch, as well, to be able to do so. But I'm very happy how I handled the situation, especially this year.”
Elsewhere on day 14
23:00 , Flo Clifford
Earlier today Tokito Oda successfully defended his Wimbledon crown with a dominant 6-1 6-1 win over Britain’s Alfie Hewett in the men’s wheelchair singles final.
The 20-year-old has now drawn level with Hewett with 10 grand slam singles titles and is joint-second on the all-time list, behind 28-time winner Shingo Kunieda.
Between them the pair have won the last 14 majors but the rivalry has become increasingly one-sided, with Oda winning 10 and Hewett four, and the Japanese star beating Hewett in eight of the 10 finals the pair have contested.
‘Incredible’ Oda defeats Hewett in Wimbledon final for third slam title of 2026
Jannik Sinner: 'I never take winning grand slams for granted'
22:20 , Flo Clifford
“There is no failure if you don't win a Grand Slam. It's very, very rare days. Now I have five in my whole life. We talk about five Grand Slams. But end of the day, it's five days of so many other days.
“You just want to enjoy it. Today was a very tough day. If I lose, it's still a great day. Playing a Grand Slam final, it's so rare and so special.
“So for me, I never take things for granted. Of course, if I choose, I choose this outcome, but at the end of the day, it's always two players.”
Jannik Sinner says achievement means more after difficult exit in Paris
22:00 , Flo Clifford
“I think every Grand Slam is different, you know. Different story, different environment, different feelings before the tournament.
“For me this one means a lot because was a tough one after Paris again. Last year was also tough. But coming here, I tried to put myself in the best possible position to be as competitive as possible.
“Yeah, we put in a lot of workdays in Monaco, very, very long. Definitely sacrificing a lot of my time and everything to be in this position. Having this achievement, it means a lot to me. Yeah, it was an amazing day today.”
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
21:45 , Flo Clifford
Sinner marches on
21:30 , Flo Clifford
Sinner has become the first player in 48 years, and only the second ever, to win Wimbledon after being taken to five sets in his opening-round match (Carlos Alcaraz was taken to five sets by Fabio Fognini last year, but then lost the final to Sinner).
The other was Bjorn Borg in 1978, while Rafael Nadal did it last, at the 2011 French Open.
How the rankings look
21:15 , Flo Clifford
Sinner remains world No 1 and pretty indisputably the best player on the planet right now.
But Zverev’s quest to eventually displace him has been given a boost, as he leaps up to world No 2 with his run to the final; having gone out in the first round last year he had no points to defend.
He replaces Carlos Alcaraz, who remains absent with injury.
Jannik Sinner defends Wimbledon title
21:00 , Flo Clifford
Sinner is the 10th man to successfully retain the Wimbledon title and is now a five-time grand slam champion, with two Wimbledons, two Australian Open crowns, and one at the US Open.
Tim Henman pays tribute to Andew Castle after final Wimbledon commentary
20:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Tim Henman paid tribute to Andrew Castle after the veteran commentator’s final match as part of the BBC team at Wimbledon.
“I want to take this opportunity of thanking you so much for sharing the commentary box for so many years,” Henman said. “You’ve been an absolute star, you’ve taught me so much and I’ll miss you a lot. What a great way to finish off.”
Castle and Henman were on commentary together when Andy Murray ended a 73-year wait for a British winner of the men’s grass court grand slam – and the former revealed that the pair had had a mishap as the Scot sealed victory over Novak Djokovic.
“I knew you when you were an annoying 14-year-old and I’ve known you that whole time,” Castle said to Henman. “Thanks for your company, Tim, all the best and take care.
Sinner continues:
20:45 , Flo Clifford
“There is no better place to play tennis. you can feel the nerves Sunday morning when you wake up, you never know how many times you can come back so I never take things for granted. It has been amazing, and thanks for the support, you are always amazing to me and you gave me the most special feeling a tennis player can ever feel like, so thank you so much.
“Last thing I would like to say, it’s been very warm, no rain for the first time which is amazing! But I would love to thank all the ball kids for everything you do. You make our life on court as simple as possible so thank you, thank you everyone behind the scenes, this is the most special tournament we have, so thank you and see you next year.”
How did he do it?
20:37 , Flo Clifford
Sinner says: “We both started off very well, serving very fast. We prepared in the best possible way, me and my team, so I have to thank my team, the whole box, my mum... I saw her, she left the stadium a couple of times! Being a player it’s not easy, but it’s been an amazing final once again.
“It always takes two players and me and Sascha tried to give everything, I’m happy about the win but also about the level we both played.”
Jannik Sinner and the two moments that flipped a marathon Wimbledon final on its head
20:32 , Jamie Braidwood
The world No 1 prevailed in a titanic battle of big serving to beat Zverev 6-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-4 and win his fifth grand slam title
Jannik Sinner and the two moments that flipped a marathon Wimbledon final on its head
How does it feel to be Wimbledon champion?
20:31 , Flo Clifford
Sinner sums it up: “Amazing”.
He says: “As Sascha did I would like to start with you and your whole team and family. You reached one of your main goals, winning grand slams, if you play like this I’m very, very sure you’re going to have this one at home as well.
“I know another goal is to be No 1 in the world, you’re very very close so we have to be very careful now! But congrats.”
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
20:31 , Flo Clifford
After chatting to the Royal Family, Sinner weaves his way through the Centre Court building to make his parade out onto the balcony, where he’s greeted by huge cheers, waving and grinning ear to ear as he takes it all in.
Zverev continues:
20:26 , Flo Clifford
In response to someone cheering for him, he says: “Unfortunately this guy will be back as well!
“One more thing, it’s very special playing on this court and it’s because of the Royal Box, the amount of special people that I see. it’s a great honour to play in front of you, Your Highness, and everybody else as well. It’s a unique court and the Royal Box is a special thing. It’s a massive honour to play on this court, simple as that.”
Zverev continues:
20:21 , Flo Clifford
“To my team, we had a pretty good two months. Even though we lost this final we had an amazing two months, we came into Wimbledon never reaching the quarter-finals and we played our first Wimbledon finals. 29 years old, this is the first time I actually believed I can win this trophy, so thanks to you guys as well.
“I would like to thank the crowd for these two amazing weeks, every time I played the court was feel and I never felt support like that at Wimbledon before. You guys are a big part of how I made the final so thank you for that.”
Alexander Zverev collects runner-up plate
20:16 , Flo Clifford
Zverev comes over to speak to Annabel Croft, and gets a warm reception from the crowd. He has a little smile on his face now.
“First of all, Jannik, I don’t really like you anymore. To be fair I lost to you nine times in a row... [it’s now 10, in fact]. First of all 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 on finals weekend, it’s a great honour to be here. Unfortunately it didn’t go my way, but congratulations to you.
“Do I keep going? Congratulations to Jannik’s team, you guys are world No 1 but started outside the top 10 and worked your way to world No 1 and grand slam champions, it’s a team effort, congratulations, you really deserve it.”
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
20:06 , Flo Clifford
Zverev has a chat with the Princess of Wales and lifts his runners-up plate to the crowd, before Sinner comes over to lift what has to be one of the best, if not the best, trophies in tennis.
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion
20:04 , Flo Clifford
The Princess of Wales, wearing green to match the grass today, comes out for the trophy presentation, alongside Deborah Jevans, chair of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, and Roy Colabawalla, president of the LTA.
Jannik Sinner is the Wimbledon champion!
20:02 , Flo Clifford
Zverev sits on his chair. Penny for his thoughts.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 6-4 Alexander Zverev
19:58 , Flo Clifford
The pair share a nice embrace at the net before Sinner acknowledges the crowd, beaming in a rare show of emotion. What a match.
He wins in three hours and 46 minutes, the second-longest match he’s ever won - the longest being just two minutes over that.
Off he goes to celebrate with his box, grinning ear to ear.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 6-4 Alexander Zverev
19:57 , Flo Clifford
Championship point...
Zverev gets the serve in play, but Sinner plays a lovely forehand down the line and drops to his back in relief! Sinner defends his title and is a two-time Wimbledon champion!!!
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
19:56 , Flo Clifford
Absolutely amazing defence by Sinner! He grins to the crowd as he somehow makes an absurd get after a lengthy, tense baseline rally. Match point!
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
19:54 , Flo Clifford
Zverev fires long on the forehand. 15-0.
He gets one back though as a Sinner drop shot - not a shot that ever fills a viewer with confidence - is too heavily telegraphed, and he volleys in. 15-15.
Zverev signals to the crowd to make some noise as he wins an absurd point, the pair trading blows from every corner of the court, Sinner lobbing him and then diving to a volley but sending it long. 15-30.
A great serve and passing shot brings up 30-30 and more fist pumps from Sinner.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-4 Alexander Zverev
19:50 , Flo Clifford
Zverev is visibly unhappy but channels some of that frustration into a couple more aces.
He gets to 40-0 but Sinner plays a chunky backhand into the far corner to nick a point back.
And Zverev goes long for 40-30... how are the nerves?
He holds with a big serve out wide and winner into the opposite corner. Sinner will serve for the Championship!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 5-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:46 , Flo Clifford
Long goes Zverev on the forehand. He’s chuntering properly to his box now as another error puts Sinner 30-0 up.
Zverev sends a return into the net... and Sinner puts a backhand down the line to move ONE GAME AWAY from a second Wimbledon title.
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 4-3 Alexander Zverev
19:42 , Flo Clifford
Zverev sends a forehand looping beyond the doubles tramlines! A third break point...
Sinner blasts a forehand winner down the line! There’s the break!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 3-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:41 , Flo Clifford
Blink and you miss it stuff as the ball pings back and forth at the net, both their reflexes excellent; Sinner lobs the big man and although Zverev gets it back has no reply to the drop volley!
Zverev nets for 0-30...
A big first serve. He looks relieved.
But now Zverev thumps a backhand wide! Two break points for the Italian. This moment is enormous.
An ace saves the first, 30-40, and Zverev stands firm at the net, knocking in a smash, for deuce.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 3-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:36 , Flo Clifford
Zverev crouches down again, the tension evident, as he goes wide on a forehand having established himself in a rally.
A great backhand return from out wide gets him to 15-15 on Sinner’s serve.
A lovely drop shot has Sinner fist pumping to his box again, and some more fierce serving completes his most comfortable service game for a little while.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 2-3 Alexander Zverev
19:32 , Flo Clifford
Another shake of the racquet from Sinner as he pushes Zverev back and draws the error for 30-15.
The German fires down an ace in response, but is furious as a forehand passing shot goes wide! 40-30.
An ace gets the job done.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 2-2 Alexander Zverev*
19:28 , Flo Clifford
An error on the inside-out forehand by Sinner again, and the Italian is back under pressure as Zverev ramps up the aggression, the top seed skidding around at the baseline until Zverev plants a smash for 0-30.
A lovely cross-court backhand has Zverev on the run and unable to respond. A big serve brings him to 30-30, and now Zverev, losing his cool, demands a review of a Sinner serve which is very clearly in.
Another huge serve, and Sinner holds! Superb on those pressure points.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 1-2 Alexander Zverev
19:22 , Flo Clifford
Sinner has been able to retrieve a lot more of Zverev’s serves than in the first set but does himself no favours with the odd shanked groundstroke in reply.
Zverev lands an inside-out forehand perfectly on the line, and a couple of brilliant serves wrap up the hold.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 1-1 Alexander Zverev*
19:20 , Flo Clifford
Zverev crouches down in frustration as he flashes a sharp backhand into the net, and does so again! Sinner holds!
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 0-1 Alexander Zverev
19:19 , Flo Clifford
Zverev chunters to himself now as he nets in a rally and then blasts a backhand long.
Sinner reciprocates with a poor backhand which drops long, and Zverev unleashes some of his fury on a fine cross-court forehand winner for 40-30.
Sinner stumbles over a forehand down the line and suddenly we’re at deuce. Both men are sliding all over the grass, it’s incredibly dry and dusty behind the baseline.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3, 0-1 Alexander Zverev
19:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That looks better from Alexander Zverev, finding that forehand again as he springs off that sore right leg. Jannik Sinner flaps three backhands into the meshing to grant Zverev what feels a vital and valuable hold to 15.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How pivotal will that slip be? Forget the fact it came on break point, it just felt like Alexander Zverev lost all confidence in his attacking game, unable to drive into his groundstrokes with that sore knee.
The big German disappears briefly to refocus between sets. Is he fully fit? Is there a way back? We’re past the three-hour mark as they resume on Centre Court.
THIRD SET! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 6-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:07 , Flo Clifford
Sinner dinks a drop shot over. Zverev nets. And again. The German is furious with himself.
Three set points... he only needs one, blasting an ace down the T!
Jannik Sinner rises from his feet to break and win set !
19:07 , Jamie Braidwood
The story of two slips! On Zverev’s break point, he slipped when Sinner pulled out the drop shot.
13 minutes later, on break point for Sinner, the Italian recovers from a slip to his right to return the ball and stay in the rally.
Zverev flings his racket into the grass!
BREAK! *Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 5-3 Alexander Zverev
19:05 , Flo Clifford
Sinner breaks! After two hours and 54 minutes we have our first break of this match!
Sinner slips and falls on the grass but is quickly back up, and Zverev fires long! He flings his racquet on the ground in fury.
Sinner will serve for the set!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:04 , Flo Clifford
Zverev double faults! Back to deuce.
A terrible first serve is miles out. The second is in but he goes millimetres wide in the rally! Advantage Sinner...
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
19:02 , Flo Clifford
At 15-15 Sinner plays another atrocious high backhand, then has a chance to push level for 30-30 as he has Zverev pinned to the net - but his attempted cross-court shot hits the tape.
Zverev sends a tight backhand long for 40-30, and now wide going cross-court! Deuce! He shakes his head.
Sinner whacks a second serve into the net post. What a chance!
Sinner helps Zverev back to his feet after slip
18:58 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev was grimacing and holding his knee before Sinner helped him to his feet after that slip. Zverev looks to be ok, but what will sting was his first break point - after two hours and 42 minutes - coming and going behind the Sinner drop shot.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
18:56 , Flo Clifford
Zverev can’t get a serve back over the net and then tries to draw Sinner in with a drop shot in the next rally, but Sinner is wise to it and plants a forehand winner beyond him to seal a crucial hold.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 3-3 Alexander Zverev
18:55 , Flo Clifford
Sinner covers his mouth in horror as he whacks a dreadful backhand into the net to give Zverev’s a first break point of the entire match.
But he dinks a forehand over the net to save, while Zverev drops to the ground and stretches out his right knee after slipping and landing awkwardly. Sinner comes over to check on him and help him up. He seems to be okay.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 3-3 Alexander Zverev
18:52 , Flo Clifford
Signs of life from Zverev as Sinner double faults; the German then attacks on the forehand, Sinner pushed onto the defensive and firing long for 0-30.
Sinner puts away a nerveless smash and raises his fist to his box.
Zverev shouts to himself in frustration as he nets another gutsy serve, but drags himself to deuce with a big forehand down the line.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 3-3 Alexander Zverev
18:48 , Flo Clifford
Zverev sends Sinner scrambling and the Italian’s defence is superb and somehow, it’s the German who errs!
But Sinner nets as Zverev continues to serve big. He holds.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 3-2 Alexander Zverev*
18:43 , Flo Clifford
Sinner plays a big serve and tidy forehand in behind Zverev with the second seed heading the wrong way. He’s got a lot more pep in his step now.
Zverev nets a 129mph serve and flings an arm up in exasperation. And again, as a return drops long.
Oooh, a terrible forehand by Sinner, just a bit too loose, but he wraps another good hold with an ace down the T.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 2-2 Alexander Zverev
18:41 , Flo Clifford
Zverev’s attempt at an inside-out forehand is shanked wide again; the errors are more prevalent on that wing now.
However, he’s still serving well, and lands a big first serve for 15-15, but Sinner pulls level again at 30-30 with a bullet forehand into the corner.
He can’t do much about another Zverev serve though, sliding about and stumbling on the grass and somehow getting it back in play despite half-falling, but Zverev fires down another big serve to hold.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 2-1 Alexander Zverev*
18:35 , Flo Clifford
Better from Zverev as he plants a forehand winner down the line that Sinner, even at full stretch, can’t get to.
Some more big serving, and a lovely forehand into the corner, keeps the scoreboard pressure on.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 1-1 Alexander Zverev
18:32 , Flo Clifford
Now, can Zverev respond?
Into the net on the forehand. Now Sinner cracks a forehand cross-court before whipping another into the opposite corner for 0-30.
Another poor drop shot by Sinner though and he knows it. There’s been only one break point in this entire match; neither player has really had a look-in on serve.
Now Zverev clips the tape and Sinner’s forehand goes wide for 30-30. Chances disappearing...
Two big serves seal the hold.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 1-0 Alexander Zverev*
18:28 , Flo Clifford
Sinner has walked off court between sets and returns with a little bit more confidence about him. That was a superb tiebreak - can he build on that now?
A sweet forehand winner seals the first point. Zverev nets a second serve return, then wallops a backhand wide; there’s a lot more intensity to Sinner now, although he gets a drop shot all wrong, palming into the net. It’s the kind of shot you play at 40-0 up against an opponent whose confidence is evaporating.
Now he lands a much better drop volley, and that’s the hold.
Suddenly Jannik Sinner has something to work with
18:22 , Jamie Braidwood
It took two hours, but the forehand error from Alexander Zverev gave Jannik Sinner the lift he had been looking all match for. He followed it up with another pinpoint return deep onto the baseline, and it cracked another hole in Zverev’s forehand, which had been so steady.
Sinner, too, finds energy. He almost made that miracle lob, then he roared “come on” after moving 5-2 ahead. It feels as if we are going the distance here on Centre Court, and Sinner did not panic to ensure the final did not slip away.
SECOND SET! Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2) Alexander Zverev
18:19 , Flo Clifford
Sinner moves up the court now and this is much more like his usual self; he plants a lovely forehand into the far corner for four set points.
And Zverev, with the whole court at his mercy, shanks wide! We’re level at one set apiece!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 6-6 (5-2) Alexander Zverev*
18:18 , Flo Clifford
Sinner nets cheaply on the backhand and that’s half of his mini-break advantage gone, before he blasts an ace out wide. 5-2.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 6-6 (4-1) Alexander Zverev
18:16 , Flo Clifford
Sinner looks locked in now. Zverev shakes his head as the Italian pushes him back and he nets, Sinner with the mini-break.
Ooh, Sinner goes for the lob now with Zverev stranded at the net, and it’s only wide by a couple of millimetres!
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 6-6 (3-0) Alexander Zverev*
18:14 , Flo Clifford
Some nerves for Zverev, finally? He skews a forehand well wide, having been hitting that shot all day.
Now Sinner goes on the attack on his own serve, and Zverev punts long again.
The fist pumps to his box are back as he stands firm from the baseline and whips away a smash to lead 3-0.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 6-6 Alexander Zverev*
18:11 , Flo Clifford
Sinner goes for the serve-volley but sends it straight back into Zverev’s strike range, from where the German thumps a lovely forehand down the line. 0-15.
Zverev fumes as he catches Sinner off guard in another baseline rally but is shot is shown to be out. 15-15.
His turn to fling his arms out in frustration as he gets to a Sinner drop shot but pats it gently into the net.
A big serve and an errant backhand by Zverev seal the hold. To a tie-break we go, again!
Wimbledon final heading towards second-set tiebreak
18:07 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev is not blinking, yet.
The next 20 minutes are crucial for Sinner.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 5-6 Alexander Zverev
18:06 , Flo Clifford
More lethal serving from Zverev as he rattles to 40-15, and closes out with another booming serve which Sinner cannot return.
Pressure back on the Italian, serving to stay in the set.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 5-5 Alexander Zverev*
18:03 , Flo Clifford
An amazing point from both players, Zverev is pushed out to the far side of the court to receive serve but somehow looks to have won it with a sharply angled volley cross-court - but Sinner just about gets it back, and the German knocks it into the tape from close range!
Sinner’s head drops as the pair exchange dinked lobs, including one he hits from right underneath the ball, and he blasts a forehand cross-court which drops wide!
Zverev looks miffed as he nets from a Sinner ball which clipped the baseline, although he doesn’t believe it did.
This is huge for Sinner as he serves to avoid going two sets down, but at 40-30 he blasts an ace out wide. Still on serve.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 4-5 Alexander Zverev
17:58 , Flo Clifford
Sinner flings his arms out as he whacks a backhand wide on Zverev’s second serve.
Zverev goes long but continues to serve superbly for 40-15, although Sinner gets one back as he makes a foray forward and whips away a forehand, fist pumping and talking to himself.
Zverev shuts that particular door with an ace out wide. He has basically not put a foot wrong all match.
Jannik Sinner continues to search for answers
17:56 , Jamie Braidwood
Jannik Sinner continues to look the more animated player, growing increasingly frustrated with his wayward return and especially when Alexander Zverev is winning baseline points. He’s only lost three matches all season, but two of those have been at grand slams. He knows how important this Wimbledon is.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 4-4 Alexander Zverev*
17:54 , Flo Clifford
Sinner manages a smile and shakes his fist at his box as he rattles to 40-0, pushing Zverev around the court before thumping away winners off both wings, then lashing in an unreturnable serve.
He does a little skip in annoyance though as he overcooks a forehand.
Zverev can’t keep another wide serve in the court, and Sinner and his matching crew - all clad in Nike kits in his box - exchange nods of approval.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 3-4 Alexander Zverev
17:52 , Flo Clifford
Rinse and repeat as Zverev holds to 15, including winning a delightful point at the net that has Sinner raising his arms in frustration as he can’t get past the second seed.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 3-3 Alexander Zverev*
17:48 , Flo Clifford
Sinner sandwiches a double fault either side of two big serves, before Zverev gets lucky with a net cord for 30-30.
Zverev remonstrates with himself for missing a forehand, and Sinner seals the hold with some smart play at the net.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 2-3 Alexander Zverev
17:41 , Flo Clifford
Zverev’s plays a pair of inside-out forehands; Sinner gets to the first but is sent the wrong way and can’t change direction in time for the second.
More hefty serving brings up 40-0 but he errs on the forehand side, then flings a backhand well wide for 40-30.
But he seals the game with a fierce serve out wide and smash.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 2-2 Alexander Zverev*
17:36 , Flo Clifford
Better from Sinner, who is sent scrambling around the baseline but defends doggedly and whips a forehand in behind a diving Zverev. An ace and a lucky net cord, which sends Zverev’s forehand out, seal a hold to love.
Jannik Sinner is starting to look fed up
17:33 , Jamie Braidwood
The world No 1 raises his arms wide as if to ask his team, “what can I do?”
It’s been a serving masterclass from Zverev so far. But he’s got to be patient.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 1-2 Alexander Zverev
17:32 , Flo Clifford
Zverev is playing with so much confidence today. He controls a point from the net, dropping a volley behind Sinner, and then the Italian hits another forehand wide. The German holds to love. This is the best he’s looked in some time.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 1-1 Alexander Zverev*
17:29 , Flo Clifford
Sinner has just not been at his top level today. Two erratic forehands loop long and give Zverev a half-chance at 15-30.
A tidy volley and big ace out wide bring up 40-30, but Zverev blasts a forehand cross-court for deuce.
Another shake of the racquet towards the Italian’s box as he plays a one-two punch, wide serve and forehand to opposite corner.
Zverev nets his next serve, and there’s the hold.
*Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9), 0-1 Alexander Zverev
17:24 , Flo Clifford
Zverev resumes where he left off with some big serves but Sinner fist pumps to his box as a beauty of a drop shot leaves the big German stranded for 30-30.
A big serve brings up game point but Sinner forces a return over the net and Zverev nets for deuce!
A serve and drive volley is good from Zverev but Sinner wallops a backhand down the line for a second deuce.
Now the defending champion punts long on the backhand. Advantage Zverev... a ludicrous ace right on the line, sending up a puff of chalk, seals the hold.
A first set of Wimbledon final played on the tightest of margins
17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
An incredible tiebreak from both players, but Alexander Zverev takes it. His serving was immaculate in the important moments and his first-serve percentage of 74% is slightly higher than Sinner’s (65%). More than half of Zverev’s serves, meanwhile, have been unreturned. But the German still needed to show bravery in the rallies to take it. That forehand down the line is an example of how he has vowed to be more aggressive on the big points.
Jannik Sinner 6-7(7-9) Alexander Zverev*
17:19 , Flo Clifford
Princess Charlotte looked deeply unimpressed with how that tiebreak panned out, incidentally, until the cameras cut to her and she begrudgingly clapped.
That was the first set Zverev had won against Sinner after losing 14 straight. How important will it prove?
FIRST SET! Jannik Sinner 6-6 (7-9) Alexander Zverev
17:17 , Mike Jones
He’s done it!
Alexander Zverev yells out in joy and emotion as he breaks Sinner’s serve with a forehand down the line to beat his opponent and clinck the opening set.
That could be a huge momentum builder for the German who is hoping to win Wimbledon for the very first time.
*Jannik Sinner 6-6 (7-8) Alexander Zverev
17:15 , Mike Jones
Sinner fist pumps again as he lands another ace to pull ahead in the tiebreak.
He has the chance to break and win the first set now. Can he take it?
No. Zverev is equally up to the task and beats Sinner with a 134mph first serve.
The German then goes ahead by forcing Sinner to defend and landing a backhand cross court. Another set point coming up for him...
*Jannik Sinner 6-6 (6-6) Alexander Zverev
17:13 , Mike Jones
Oh! Zverev finds the centre line again from his serve but Sinner almost gets that return in play but clips the tape of the net.
He does brilliantly in the next rally to defend the opening onslaught from Zverev and recovers only to blast a forehand down the line well wide of the target.
Chance for Zverev to win the set...
... No! Sinner does for him with a drop shot and a passing winner. All square.
Jannik Sinner 6-6 (5-4) Alexander Zverev*
17:10 , Mike Jones
Another beauty from Zverev!
A 139mph serve puffs up a bunch of dust as he lands on the T line and aces!
Over to you Jannik...
... Sinner pulls out the fist pump as he forces Zverev into the net with forehand drop shot. He follows that up with an ace of his own. A seventh of the match so far.
Jannik Sinner 6-6 (3-3) Alexander Zverev*
17:08 , Mike Jones
Any pressure Sinner may have felt is settled with an ace to start of the next phase of the tiebreak. He takes another point with a fine serve wide that lands right on the side line!
The serve switches back to Zverev and his pace and power brings him level!
Wow.
*Jannik Sinner 6-6 (1-2) Alexander Zverev
17:06 , Mike Jones
Sinner takes the opening point with a dipping forehand that lands on the right side line.
From Zverev’s serve, he bullies Sinner back behind the baseline and forces the error from his opponent.
Sinner attempts the same inside out forehand that won him the first rally but he misses out this time and Zverev goes ahead in the tiebreak.
*Jannik Sinner 6-6 Alexander Zverev
17:03 , Mike Jones
There’s a loud cheer for Sinner as he takes the first point of this crucial game against the serve. That might be an indicator of who the crowd are supporting...
... Nope, it’s not. Zverev receives an equally positive response as he draws level with an overhead volley!
He goes ahead through an ace down the T and reaches 40-15 when Sinner fails to make a return of serve.
Zverev holds serve and this first set is heading to a tiebreak!
Jannik Sinner 6-5 Alexander Zverev*
16:59 , Mike Jones
The shoulders slump on Zverev as he attempts to take on the Sinner serve.
It doesn’t work out for him in this game as points slip away due to unforced errors.
Sinners holds to love but the intent from Zverev is solid and he’s playing with belief that he can take on the Wimbledon champion.
Stunning forehand from Alexander Zverev
16:57 , Jamie Braidwood
That’s one of the shots of the tournament from Alexander Zverev, the forehand screaming down the line and finding the gap between the umpire’s chair and the net post. The Centre Court crowd roared in approval.
*Jannik Sinner 5-5 Alexander Zverev
16:56 , Mike Jones
Now then. Sacha Zverev is playing in his first Wimbledon final and there’s a bit of added pressure on his shoulders for this game.
He needs to hold serve or else the first set will go the way of Jannik Sinner.
Zverev begins with a rapid serve and sprints up court to unleash a forehand winner past Sinner when launching onto the Italian’s return.
Oh! Even better from the German. He’s forced onto the defensive in the next rally and Sinner believes he’s got the point in hand having sent Zverev wide. Yet, Zverev’s forehand wraps around the ball and blazes it over the net to secure a passing winner!
An ace takes Zverev to 40-0 before Sinner gets a point by clipping the tape and dropping the ball onto the other side of court.
Zverev powers his way to a hold of serve. Pressure, what pressure?
Jannik Sinner 5-4 Alexander Zverev*
16:52 , Mike Jones
Sinner and Zverev trade points at the start of the next game.
The German then looks to take the attack to Sinner and attempts to drill a backhand to the sideline. He’s slightly off target and pushes it wide.
But, a powerful forehand returning a second serve from Sinner keeps the game level at 30-30.
Ooof! Sinner finds a bit of power with an inside out forehand and rattles it into the far corner to move ahead again. That’s a great shot!
He then closes out the game as Zverev fires a forehand across court and out of play.
A missed opportunity for Jannik Sinner
16:49 , Jamie Braidwood
That feels like the first major test passed by Alexander Zverev. Jannik Sinner had won just two points against serve before a couple of forehand errors from Zverev and an inspired pick-up from the defending champion got him to deuce. We’ve seen the nerves shown by Zverev with the double fault on deuce before, the surprise was that Sinner suddenly lost the timing of his forehand.
*Jannik Sinner 4-4 Alexander Zverev
16:47 , Flo Clifford
Sinner blasts in a second serve return - but errs completely on the forehand, shanking wide! Back to deuce.
And he wastes another look-in on second serve.
Zverev holds with a big first serve, and how costly could that missed break point be for the defending champion?
Jannik Sinner 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
16:45 , Flo Clifford
Zverev lands a chunky first serve which Sinner can’t get the racquet to but fires wide in the next rally.
Now for some brilliance from the defending champion! Sinner draws him in with a drop shot, Zverev replies with one in kind, but the top seed lofts it over at a sharp angle and it dies away! 40-30...
Zverev goes long and suddenly we’re at deuce. And he double faults...
You can sense Alexander Zverev's frustration
16:41 , Jamie Braidwood
Zverev has settled into this final the quicker, and is getting looks against the Sinner serve. The defending champion is still playing rather erratically and Zverev is growing in confidence from his tolerance in the rallies - which make errors like that backhand into the net on 40-30 all the more irritating. He knows how quickly Sinner can shut the door when he does find his serve.
Jannik Sinner 4-3 Alexander Zverev*
16:38 , Flo Clifford
Sinner moves up the court and Zverev is unlucky as a bullet forehand in behind the Italian lands narrowly long.
Sinner is not quite finding his range on serve yet but gets to 30-0 with a one-two punch into the opposite corner.
He goes for the same again at 40-0 up but ends up in the tramlines, and long again gives Zverev a bit of hope at 40-30... but the German nets.
*Jannik Sinner 3-3 Alexander Zverev
16:34 , Flo Clifford
Zverev’s serve has been impeccable thus far, as it was in his semi-final. Four huge serves, two of them at 138mph, go without reply as he holds to love.
Jannik Sinner 2-3 Alexander Zverev*
16:31 , Flo Clifford
Zverev is enjoying these baseline exchanges, finding the lines, and he pushes Sinner out wide before whipping a forehand winner into the opposite corner.
At 0-30 down Sinner blasts down an ace, before Zverev shouts to himself in annoyance as he gets an easy forehand all wrong.
Two more chunky first serves get the Italian out of trouble and seal the hold. Pressure, what pressure...
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
