Imperious Jannik Sinner 'living my dream' after stunning Carlos Alcaraz to claim Wimbledon title as first Italian to achieve feat

React to this story

Jannik Sinner was crowned Wimbledon champion for the first time as he recovered from a slippery start to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in four sets. It was a historic fourth major title for the 23-year-old, who became the first Italian man or woman to win the title at the All England Club, inflicting a first major final defeat on his rival in the process.

Wimbledon highlights: Sinner defeats Alcaraz in thrilling final to claim maiden title

Video credit: SNTV

Jannik Sinner said he is "living my dream" after roaring back from behind to claim his first Wimbledon title by beating Carlos Alcaraz in four sets in the latest chapter of their burgeoning rivalry.

The world No. 1 claimed a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 win to become the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title and gain his fourth Grand Slam trophy.

"It’s amazing to be in this position," he said.

ATP Cincinnati

When does Alcaraz play next? Latest injury update as star shows 'encouraging' signs

9 hours ago

"We were talking before the match about how I would never have thought to be in this position. Back when I was young this was only a dream, a dream of a dream, because it was so far from where I’m from. So I’m just living my dream. It’s amazing."

After dropping an opening set where he had led by a break, Sinner put in a controlled and clinical masterclass to outclass the Spaniard, who lost a major final for the first time.

In doing so, Sinner snapped a five-match losing streak against Alcaraz and gained a measure of revenge for last month’s agonising five-set defeat in a classic Roland-Garros final - a match he said afterwards was integral to claiming his SW19 crown.

"I had a very tough loss in Paris," Sinner said. "But at the end of the day it doesn’t matter how you win or lose, especially in important tournaments, you just have to understand what you did wrong and try to work on that.

‘That’s what won him the match’ – Evans and Kyrgios break down Sinner v Alcaraz

Video credit: TNT Sports

"That’s exactly what we did, we tried to accept the loss and kept working. This is for sure one of the reasons why I hold this trophy here. I’m just so grateful that I’m healthy, that I have great people around me, that’s the most important part."

Sinner pounced on the first break opportunity of the match to take a 3-2 lead that soon became 4-2, giving him an early advantage as he edged two games from taking the opener.

However, the world No. 1 let Alcaraz back in with a loose game as the Spaniard broke back for 4-4 before piling on the pressure with a hold that put him one game from taking the opener.

Sinner surrendered set point when he slipped at a crucial moment on an Alcaraz drop shot and, after saving it, coughed up another with a double fault.

Alcaraz made no mistake second time round, somehow getting to a ferocious Sinner forehand to wrap a backhand winner over the net from an improbable position and claim the set in typically spectacular style.

‘She still made a Wimbledon final’ – Kyrgios backs Anisimova to learn from Swiatek loss

Video credit: TNT Sports

Sinner responded superbly, though, rattling off three points in a row for an early break chance in the opening game of set two and taking the third as an Alcaraz forehand went long.

The Italian faced his own challenges on serve, having to save a break point for 2-0 before a popped Champagne cork landed on court to disrupt the match during his hold for 3-1.

He laughed the moment off afterwards, saying: "Only here at Wimbledon, but that’s why we love playing here!"

Sinner saved his best for last, landing a winner TNT Sports commentator Alastair Eykyn described as "unquestionably one of the shots of the match so far" to tee up two set points before firing a stunning cross-court winner to win the second spectacular set-winning rally of the afternoon.

Sinner picked his moment to find the breakthrough in set three, breaking to take a 5-4 lead before serving out and moving one set from the title to leave Alcaraz requiring another five-set classic for victory.

Alcaraz needed to find the answers fast, but instead it was Sinner who kicked on, seizing the break chance when it came once again by firing a backhand winner down the line.

When he faced trouble, Sinner confronted it courageously. Staring down the barrel at a break-back when 15-40 down at 4-3, Sinner reeled off four consecutive points thanks to some huge serving and powerful shot-making to hold.

Wimbledon Highlights: Swiatek dominates Anisimova to secure singles glory

Video credit: SNTV

He made no mistake in serving out the match either, raising his arms to the air in celebration as the Centre Court crowd applauded the new champion.

A first Grand Slam final defeat was a new, unwanted landmark in the career of Alcaraz, who said afterwards that it is "always difficult to lose" but praised Sinner for winning "a really well deserved trophy".

Despite the defeat, Alcaraz was upbeat about a 2025 season so far in which he has won five titles, including the French Open and another grass-court crown at Queen's.

"I’m really proud of everything I’m doing," Alcaraz said.

"At the beginning of the season, I struggled a bit on and off the court, but then suddenly, I started to enjoy being on the court again and be happy again, that excitement that I have every time I step on the court."

US Open Mixed Doubles -