"The differences are very small; today they went my way"
- Romy Kraus
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Jannik Sinner turns grass doubts into a first Italian Wimbledon crown and a generational win over Alcaraz
With his win, Sinner became the first Italian man ever to capture a Wimbledon singles title and added a fourth Slam trophy to his collection—completing a sweep across all surfaces: hard, clay, and now the hallowed grass. More than just a trophy, it was the ultimate chapter in a rivalry that’s redefining tennis for a new generation.
Stepping onto Centre Court on July 13, 2025, Jannik Sinner turned grass-court doubts into a generational triumph. The 23-year-old Italian, seeded No. 1, faced off against Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion and world No. 2. After dropping a tense first set 4–6, Sinner roared back to take the next three sets 6–4, 6–4, 6–4, sealing a 3-hour, 4-minute win that shattered narratives and records alike. He landed 8 aces (to Alcaraz’s 15), kept his double faults low at 2 (versus Alcaraz’s 7), and dominated on second-serve points (winning 63% to Alcaraz’s 58%). Sinner converted 4 of 9 break chances, compared to 2 of 6 for Alcaraz, and finished with 125 total points to Alcaraz’s 113. This snapped Alcaraz’s 24-match Wimbledon winning streak and finally reversed their Grand Slam final head-to-head, which Alcaraz had led 5–0.
The Lowdown
First Italian man to win Wimbledon.
Fourth Grand Slam title, completing wins on hard, clay, and grass.
Ended Alcaraz’s 24-match Wimbledon streak.
Strong second-serve performance and mental resilience sealed the win.
Cemented the "Sincaraz" rivalry as one of the greats.
"No Chance Back Then, But Now I Hold the Trophy"
Back in 2019, Sinner lost a five-set marathon on these same lawns to Alex Bolt. Back then, he thought grass might never be his playground. But each summer taught him something new. Last year's quarterfinal loss after a hot run in Halle only made him hungrier. This year? He arrived sharper, stronger, moving like a shadow on the baseline.
"Back then, if you'd asked me, I’d say no chance." — Jannik Sinner
"It Was Everything Except Easy"
This wasn't just about aces and forehands. It was about late nights, honest self-talk, and painful practice sessions. The family in his box — not just his mom this time, but dad and brother too — was the emotional safety net he needed. They knew the sacrifices, the mental fog, the quiet grind behind the big stages.
"Only me and the people close know what we’ve been through." — Jannik Sinner
"I Felt Close Against Carlos… Then This"
For years, Carlos Alcaraz haunted him in big moments — from tiebreak heartbreaks in Beijing to missed chances in Paris. But Sinner never looked away. He stayed patient, stayed hungry, studied every detail. On Sunday, it paid off: he flipped the storyline, finally turned “close” into “champion,” and set the tone for the next era.
"I keep looking up to Carlos because even today he did some things better than me." — Jannik Sinner
"I Would Have Not Believed You"
If you'd told Sinner in February he’d be a French Open finalist and then a Wimbledon champion? He would’ve laughed it off. Even with perfect prep, reaching Grand Slam finals is brutal. But he chose to believe, one session, one match at a time. The big secret? Total commitment to the day-to-day grind.
"It’s so difficult to even reach the late stages of a Slam." — Jannik Sinner
"Margins Are Tiny, But Today Was Mine"
At this level, matches turn on millimeters. On Sunday, Sinner found lines instead of errors, especially on second serves. After a rocky start, he locked in his first serve rhythm in the middle sets and held steady when it mattered most. What went Carlos’s way in Paris finally tilted Sinner’s way on the grass.
"The differences are very small; today they went my way." — Jannik Sinner
"Not the Time to Put Me Down"
The Roland Garros loss could’ve crushed him. Instead, it sparked him. No sulking, no excuses — just intensity. Every practice after Paris carried a new edge. Another Slam was always on the horizon, and he refused to sink.
"It’s not the time to put me down, because another Slam is coming up." — Jannik Sinner
"I’m 23 — I Can Still Get Better"
Rivalries can make or break you. Alcaraz doesn’t just push Sinner on court — he keeps him hungry off it. At 23, Sinner sees himself as far from done. The work ethic, the humility, the willingness to learn? That’s the formula for even bigger things.
"I don't think I'm at my best yet." — Jannik Sinner
"Wimbledon Is Just Different"
Hard courts might be his first love, but Wimbledon is his soul. Winning here isn’t about surfaces; it’s about legacy. A trophy on Centre Court stands alone, unmatched, and no head-to-head stat can change that.
"Wimbledon is the most special thing you can have." — Jannik Sinner
"I Just Asked If They Play Tennis"
Meeting the Princess of Wales and her kids? Sinner kept it real, just asking if they play tennis and which racquets they use. No rehearsed lines, no royal stiffness — just a young champion being himself, connecting with future fans.
"I always try to talk very natural." — Jannik Sinner
Quickfire
Q: What would you have said in February if someone predicted this?
A: "I would have not believed."
Q: Most proud of?
A: Overcoming the Roland Garros heartbreak. Staying honest, staying sharp.
Q: Biggest lesson from the Carlos rivalry?
A: To keep pushing every single day. He’s both rival and fuel.
Q: Surface comparisons?
A: Doesn’t matter. Wimbledon transcends surfaces.
Q: What did you tell the Princess’s kids?
A: Asked if they play and what racquets they like. Natural vibes only.
