Jannik Sinner successfully defended his Wimbledon title with a four-set victory against French Open champion Alexander Zverev on Centre Court.
World No 1 Sinner bounced back after wilting in the Paris heatwave in the second round at Roland-Garros to claim his fifth Grand Slam title with a 10th straight victory over Zverev - 6-7 (7-9) 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 6-4.
It was also a 100th Grand Slam match win for the Italian, who earned royal approval from the Prince and Princess of Wales, Prince George and Princess Charlotte in the front row of the Royal Box.
The win placed ​Sinner in rare company as the 10th man in the professional era to successfully defend the title, strengthening ​his credentials as one of the dominant players of ‌his generation while he chases down big rival Carlos Alcaraz's seven majors.
"It's amazing. To Alex - he got his first Grand Slam in Paris this year, and he was so, so close today," said Sinner after his win. "If he keeps playing like this, I am sure he will have this Wimbledon trophy soon.
"We both started very well, serving very fast. Myself and my team prepared very well. My mum had to leave the stadium a couple of times! It was an amazing final. It takes two players.
"We tried to give everything we have, I'm happy about the win, but I'm also happy about the level we both played at.
"There is no better place to play tennis, honestly.
"I could feel the nerves when I woke up, and this is a very, very special day. I never take it for granted.
"This crowd has given me the most special feeling you can have as a tennis player."
After losing nine matches in a row and 14 sets against the Italian, Zverev knew he had to do something different and his intention was clear from the start.
His forehand has also been prone to breaking down but he picked up where he left off in his semi-final against Britain's Arthur Fery, stepping into the court and unleashing on the ball.
Sinner had really raised his level in a semi-final demolition of Novak Djokovic but previously had not been timing the ball particularly well, and a shanked forehand cost him the only break point of the opening two sets at 4-3.
Zverev was the better player overall, though, and it was fitting that it was a clean winner off the German's forehand that clinched the first tie-break.
Zverev crouched down with both fists clenched looking towards his support box, roaring in delight.
The contest lacked the contrast of styles that makes clashes between Sinner and the much-missed Carlos Alcaraz so compelling but it was tight and tense, with the serves of both men snuffing out any potential opportunities.
Zverev, who will overtake Alcaraz to become world No 2 on Monday, seemed to have the edge still until the next tie-break, when Sinner's forehand clicked into gear at just the right moment and suddenly he was the player dictating the rallies.
An understated fist pump towards his team greeted a missed Zverev backhand on set point and the second seed headed off to the bathroom with the momentum of the match abruptly shifted.
Unexpectedly it was Zverev who had the first look in the third set, with Sinner playing a shaky game to cough up a break point at 3-3, but he was fortunate that his opponent slipped behind the baseline.
Zverev initially looked in trouble as he held his right knee but Sinner headed round the net to give him a hand up and play soon continued.
After only two break points in two and three-quarter hours, another arrived in the very next game. Sinner, despite slipping midway through the point, somehow recovered to seize the opportunity, prompting Zverev to hurl his racket angrily to the co
The gusting wind became an increasing factor as the shadows lengthened across Centre Court during the fourth set.
Sinner has only ever lost to Alcaraz in Grand Slam finals and, sensing another opportunity at 3-3, he played a brilliant returning game, clinching his second break with a forehand powered into the corner.
Zverev threw everything at Sinner as he tried to serve it out, the 24-year-old at one point left sprawled on the court after diving for a volley.
But, as he has for most of the last two-and-a-half years, the man from the Italian mountains had the answers, and he lay flat on his back on the turf after powering away a final winner.
Zverev, the first men's singles finalist from Germany since Boris Becker in 1995, had been attempting to become the first man in the professional era [since 1968] to win his second Grand Slam at the next event immediately after his first.
"Congratulations to Jannik, he showed once again why he's the best player in the world," said the 6ft 6in German.
"It was great to share Centre Court with you for the final, it's a great honour to be here. Unfortunately it didn't go my way.
"At 29-years-old, this year was the first time I actually believed I could win this Wimbledon trophy.
"It's very special playing at Centre Court. The most unique in the entire world."
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