Tennis Sinner proud of his mental resolve in securing Wimbledon title

JANNIK Sinner patted himself on the back after digging deep into his well of mental resolve to take revenge on Carlos Alcaraz and win his first Wimbledon title.

- Eleanor CROOKS

Only five weeks have passed since Alcaraz stunningly saved three match points in a French Open final fightback for the ages but his hopes of a third straight victory in SW19 were dashed by his great rival.

This time it was world number one Sinner, the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, that came from behind, claiming a 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory in three hours and four minutes nearly two-and-a-half hours quicker than their Roland Garros epic.

"I think this is the part I’m the proudest of because it really has not been easy," said Sinner, who only returned to the tour in May after serving a three-month doping ban.

"I always tried to be honest with me and had the self-talk too, what if, what if? I always tried to accept it. Things can happen.

"I believe if you lose a grand slam final that way, it’s much better like this than someone kills you. Then after you keep going, keep pushing.