"The best in the world": Zverev's Wimbledon dream was crushed by his nemesis Sinner

Thirty-five days after his triumph at the French Open, Zverev fell short of rewriting tennis history. He fell 7–6 (9–7), 6–7 (2–7), 3–6, 4–6 to the new and reigning champion Sinner, extending his winless run against the South Tyrolean to ten matches and missing the chance to be crowned the new 'king' of the grass-court classic 35 years after Michael Stich.

"Even though we lost this final, it's been an incredible two months," Zverev concluded on a conciliatory note. A few minutes earlier, Zverev had fallen into Sinner's arms at the net and congratulated him in good spirit. Sinner then received congratulations in his box, whilst Zverev paced the court with a vacant stare – looking somewhat at a loss.

Sinner then offered warm words to his near-equal opponent. "You've achieved one of your goals: winning a Grand Slam. You did it in Paris. Keep playing like this and I'm sure you'll bring this title home too. Keep it up," Sinner said. "I know another of your goals is to become world number one. You're very close, so we'll have to be careful."

In the presence of Chancellor Merz, as well as Kate and Prince William, Zverev could have become only the third German to triumph in London's SW19 district, following three-time champion Boris Becker and Stich. But the long wait continues. Across both genders, Angelique Kerber was the last German to win the title at the All England Club, back in 2018.

Following his breakthrough victory in Paris, Zverev arrived at Wimbledon with renewed confidence and "a different feeling", eager to finally progress at a tournament where he had never previously reached the last 16. This time, his run ended only in the final, marking his fourth defeat in five Grand Slam title matches.

Zverev would have become the first player in the Open Era (since 1968) to win a second Grand Slam immediately after capturing his first. The 29-year-old would also have joined an exclusive club of 14 players to complete the "Channel Slam"—back-to-back triumphs in France and England within weeks.

As consolation, he climbs to world number two—thanks to his run to the final—and banks a 2.11-million-euro cheque. Meanwhile, Sinner rebounded from his shock French Open second-round exit to secure his fifth Grand Slam title and pocket 4.22 million euros.

Zverev immediately flexed his muscles with a powerful serve in windy conditions, while Sinner took time to find his rhythm. The opening set went to a tie-break, where Zverev finally claimed a set against Sinner—ending a run of 14 consecutive sets lost—with a thunderous forehand winner, then roared with delight. The second set also went the distance, but this time Sinner prevailed.

The Italian was now fully in the match. Nevertheless, Zverev earned a break point—and then suffered a real scare when he slipped, hyperextended his knee, and lay on the grass in pain. Sinner immediately went over to his opponent, who was able to continue. His body language sagged, and when he finally dropped serve for the first time, he slammed his racket to the turf in frustration. In the fourth set, he could not stem the tide and succumbed to defeat.