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After Alexander “Sascha” Zverev captured the first set of the 2026 men’s singles final at Wimbledon, it looked like the conversation might turn to whether he had grabbed the mantle as tennis’ top player.
But that’s when Jannik Sinner reminded everyone that he is still number 1 in the world.
Jannik Sinner rallied from dropping the first set to defeat Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026, claiming his second consecutive title and fifth Grand Slam championship. (Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
After dropping the first set, Sinner rallied to win over Zverev, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-4, to claim his second consecutive Wimbledon title and fifth career Grand Slam championship.
Sinner also continued an incredible streak in his rivalry with Zverev.
Zverev has not broken Sinner’s serve in 87 consecutive service matches since the 2025 Vienna final. Sinner has also defeated Zverev in ten consecutive matches dating back to the 2023 US Open.
Zverev won the French Open in June after Sinner suffered a stunning defeat in the second round of the tournament. It was the first Grand Slam win of Zverev’s career.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV WINS 2026 FRENCH OPEN TO CLAIM HIS FIRST GRAND SLAM TITLE AFTER YEARS OF NEAR-MISSES
He looked set to make it back-to-back big wins after an impressive opening set. But the No. 2 seed and world No. 3 just couldn’t win the critical points he needed, including the only break point opportunity he had in the match.
However, Sinner came into the big spots and converted 2 out of 5 break point chances. The pivotal moment in the match came when Sinner had his back against the wall.
Jannik Sinner celebrates a point against Alexander Zverev during the Gentlemen’s Singles final on Day 14 of Wimbledon at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Zverev had a break point opportunity in the third set tied at 3-3. Sinner hit a beautiful drop shot that caused Zverev to slip as he tried to change direction. Zverev went to the ground clutching his knee in pain.
Although Zverev was able to continue and did not appear to be hampered by the apparent injury, Sinner went on to win that match and break Zverev in the following game to take control of the final.
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Sinner got his second break of serve in the seventh game of the fourth set and held the rest of the way to victory.
It was the first Grand Slam title of the year for Sinner, who lost in the semifinals of the 2026 Australian Open and fell in the second round at the 2026 French Open.
Jannik Sinner celebrates his victory over Alexander Zverev in the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (John Walton/PA Photos via Getty Images)
Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 player, missed both the French Open and Wimbledon with injury after winning the Australian Open in February.
It remains to be seen whether Alcaraz will be healthy enough to defend his title at the 2026 US Open, which begins on August 23.
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If Alcaraz can’t play, Sinner, the 2024 US Open champion, figures to be a heavy favorite.
And Zverev will get another chance to prove that his French Open victory was not a one-off, and he belongs in the conversation with Sinner and Alcaraz as the best in the world.
For now, however, Sinner sits comfortably atop the tennis world.
