Jannik Sinner Claims First Wimbledon Title

Top seed Jannik Sinner triumphed over two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz with a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 on Sunday, securing his inaugural Wimbledon championship and avenging their thrilling French Open final from the previous month.

Just five weeks post their intense Roland-Garros match—the second-longest men’s major final—Sinner rebounded after losing the first set on grass to capture his fourth Grand Slam title. Alcaraz had defeated Sinner in their past five encounters, including a dramatic five-set showdown in Paris.

Sinner’s Historic Victory

The 23-year-old Italian, who previously won the US Open in September 2024 and successfully defended his Australian Open title in January, achieved this milestone in his fourth consecutive major final but his first at Wimbledon. Sinner is now recognized as the first Italian player to win the Wimbledon singles title.

Sinner and Alcaraz have dominated the Grand Slam scene, sharing the last seven titles between them and nine of the recent twelve. Their matches at both the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year mark a rare occurrence, reminiscent of the early years of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

Match Highlights

In the match’s opening stages, Sinner initially led 4-2, but Alcaraz surged back to claim the first set, showcasing impressive shots, including a powerful 140 mph ace. Despite the setback, Sinner maintained his composure, breaking Alcaraz early in the second set and holding his serve despite distractions, including a fan’s celebration.

Sinner demonstrated exceptional returning skills, while Alcaraz’s aggressive serving led to a mix of aces and errors. Crucially, Sinner saved two break points while serving at 4-3 in the fourth set, securing his victory amidst an enthusiastic crowd cheering for Alcaraz.

Reflecting on the Win

Post-match, Sinner expressed gratitude towards Alcaraz, highlighting the challenge of competing against him. Commenting on the match’s significance, Sinner’s coach, Darren Cahill, emphasized the importance of this win for Sinner, given the duo’s previous history.

In defeat, Alcaraz remarked on the difficulty of losing. This match marked a turning point for Sinner, who previously lost all five matches against Alcaraz. With Sinner’s recent performance and community acknowledgment, the budding rivalry between the two is set to elevate the sport.

Contributions from ESPN Research and The Associated Press.