"There is no failure if you don't win a Grand Slam": Jannik Sinner explains mindset behind second straight Wimbledon title

Monday, 13 July 2026 at 00:30

Jannik Sinner defended his Wimbledon crown on Sunday by overcoming Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 to claim the fifth Grand Slam title of his career. At just 24 years old, the Italian became only the fourth man in the Open Era to successfully defend the Wimbledon title while holding the World No. 1 ranking, reinforcing his status as the leading force in men's tennis.

Yet when Sinner sat down in the press room after nearly four hours on Centre Court, the conversation quickly moved beyond trophies and records. Rather than speaking about pressure or relief, the Italian offered a revealing insight into the mentality that has carried him to consecutive Wimbledon titles.

"There is no failure if you don't win a Grand Slam," Sinner said in press conference. "These are very, very rare days. Now I've had five in my whole life. We talk about five Grand Slams, but at the end of the day, these are five days out of so many other days."

For the defending champion, Sunday's victory was simply the reward for thousands of hours invested away from Centre Court.

"Even if I lose, it's still a great day"

Sinner admitted this Wimbledon title carried particular meaning after a demanding few months that included his heartbreaking Roland Garros final defeat, but insisted he never viewed Sunday's final as a match he simply had to win.

"The only thing I'm very happy about is that I'm trying to do my best every day. Sometimes you have a tournament with a good outcome, and sometimes you just don't. There's nothing you can really do about it."

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Instead of focusing solely on lifting another trophy, Sinner said reaching another major final was already something worth appreciating. "Even if I lose, it's still a great day. Playing a Grand Slam final is so rare and so special. I never take things for granted."

The Italian explained that his team had spent weeks preparing for Wimbledon, including long training blocks in Monaco, all with the objective of arriving ready to compete at the highest level.

"We put in a lot of work. Very long days in Monaco, sacrificing a lot of my time and everything to be in this position. Having this achievement means a lot to me."

Sinner credits rivals for pushing him to new heights

Sinner also used the occasion to praise both Alexander Zverev and the current generation of top players, arguing that constant competition is what continues to elevate his game. "Big, big respect to Sascha because he's doing something amazing. His game is growing and growing."

The Italian then expanded the discussion to the ATP Tour as a whole, expressing hope that Carlos Alcaraz returns to full fitness while also acknowledging Novak Djokovic's continued presence near the top of the sport.

"We hope that Carlos is coming back as well because tennis needs him. Having Novak still around and having all the young players coming, it's really, really nice."

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He believes that environment is exactly what makes moments like Sunday's possible. "You always need someone who is pushing you to the limit. But at the same time, you always need to work hard and hard to have moments like this."

By defeating Zverev, Sinner secured his second consecutive Wimbledon crown and fifth Grand Slam title overall, becoming just the tenth man in the Open Era to successfully defend the Gentlemen's Singles title at the All England Club.

While the trophy further strengthens his position as World No. 1, his biggest takeaway from the fortnight may have been the philosophy he carried throughout it: success is built on thousands of ordinary days, not just the five that end with a Grand Slam trophy.

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Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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