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After Alexander “Sascha” Zverev won the first set of the 2026 men’s singles final at Wimbledon, it looked like the conversation might turn to whether he had taken over as the best player in tennis.
But that’s when Jannik Sinner reminded everyone that he was still the No. 1 player in the world.
Jannik Sinner rallied from losing the first set to defeat Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon 2026, winning his second straight title and fifth Grand Slam championship. (Kirill KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)
After losing the first set, Sinner rallied to victory against Zverev, 6-7 (7-9), 7-6 (7-2), 6-3, 6-4, to win 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 games, dating back to the 2025 Vienna final. Sinner has also broken Zverev in ten consecutive matches dating back to the 2023 US Open.
Zverev won the French Open in June after Sinner suffered a resounding defeat in the second round of the tournament. It was the first Grand Slam victory of Zverev’s career.
ALEXANDER ZVEREV WINS 2026 FRENCH OPEN TO CAPTURE HIS FIRST GRAND Slam TITLE AFTER YEARS OF NEAR-REPORTS
He looked poised for back-to-back major victories after an impressive first set. However, the No. 2 seed and world No. 3 simply couldn’t earn the critical points he needed, including the only break chance he had in the match.
Sinner, however, managed to come out on top in those big points, converting 2 of 5 break chances. The key moment of the match came when Sinner had his back against the wall.
Jannik Sinner celebrates a point against Alexander Zverev during the men’s final on day fourteen of Wimbledon at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in London, England. (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Zverev had a break opportunity in the third set with the score tied, 3-3. Sinner hit a beautiful drop shot that sent Zverev slipping as he tried to change direction. Zverev fell to the ground and grabbed his knee in pain.
Although Zverev was able to continue and appeared unbothered by the apparent injury, Sinner won that match and defeated Zverev in the following match to take control of the final.
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Sinner earned her second break of serve in the seventh game of the fourth set and held on the rest of the way for the 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 at the Wimbledon Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. (John Walton/PA Images via Getty Images)
World number two Carlos Alcaraz missed the French Open and Wimbledon due to 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 cannot play, Sinner, the 2024 US Open champion, emerges as a strong favorite.
And Zverev has another chance to prove that his victory at Roland Garros was not a one-off and that he belongs in the conversation with Sinner and Alcaraz as the best in the world.
For now, however, Sinner sits comfortably at the top of the tennis world.
