His first Grand Slam victory in Paris in June likely offered Zverev some comfort regarding another final defeat. He took the result with appropriate sportsmanship: "I don't really like you anymore; I'd already lost to you nine times in a row before this," he said smiling after loss number ten.
"Congratulations, he showed once again why he's the best player in the world. It was great to share Centre Court with you in the final."
A Special Tournament
Both players waxed lyrical after the final of the grass-court classic. Zverev, for example, said he had never felt such support at Wimbledon. "You are one reason why I made it to the final," he praised the crowd. "It's a great honor to play here on Centre Court – also because of the Royal Box."
Sinner echoed similar sentiments: "It's the most special tournament of the year." The nervousness one feels on Sunday morning before the final is almost indescribable. And: You never know how often you might get to feel it again.
"You are very close"
Winning the trophy again is "great." And to Zverev, after his second Major final in a short time: "If you keep going like this, you'll have it here soon too." The German also believes this. "I'm 29 and for the first time, I believe I can win a title here," he said, thanking his team.
Sinner and his staff are warned. "Your goal is to be world number one. You are very close; we now have to be very careful."
He said, and laughed. At least on this day in London, it was still missing just a little bit.
