On July 13, Jannik Sinner blasted a powerful serve on a match point against Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. The Italian bested the Spaniard 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 and wrote history books, becoming the first Italian player to holdthe sacredtrophy.
It's one of the defining moments of their incredible rivalry, having come after Carlos' thrilling turnaround in the Roland Garros final. Former doubles great, Todd Woodbridge, believes its significance goes far beyond a single title against the greatest opponent.
For the Aussie, Jannik's Wimbledon performance carried echoes of an earlier changing of the guard. Woodbridge goes beyond and backs Sinner to chase six or seven Wimbledon titles, which would place him in Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic's territory.
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The final followed a familiar script at first. Carlos claimed the opening set and looked good to claim his third straight Wimbledon trophy at 22. However, the Italian raised his level and tightened his patterns.
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Sinner outserved Alcaraz and overpowered him from the baseline, taking charge from set number two and toppling his greatest rival for one of his proudest moments on the tennis court.
The San Candido native turned the contest into a showcase of composure, precision and tactical clarity. Todd liked what he saw from the 23-year-old and made a bold prediction about Jannik's future at the All England Club.
Of course, claiming six or seven Wimbledon crowns is easier said than done, especially with Alcaraz across the net. Also, Novak Djokovic is still eager to chase that eighth trophy in London.
Jannik displayed skill and belief en route to his first trophy at the All England Club, as demanded from every newcomer on the sacred tennis courts. If health, confidence and hunger remain aligned, his breakthrough run from this July may mark the start of a reign rather than a solitary chapter.
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With the level of his performance against Djokovic and Alcaraz, Sinner's triumph feels more like an announcement. The grass-court throne may have found its next long-term occupant.
If Woodbridge's claim comes alive in nine or tenyears, the Italian will join the ultimate Wimbledonlegends - one he idolized, and the other whom he bested in the cathedral of tennis.
"At Wimbledon this year, I thought the tournament would belong to Carlos, but Jannik won it. After seeing his performance in London this year, I think he will win Wimbledon several times in his career.
He can clinch five, six or even seven trophies if everything goes well. This situation reminds me of Novak when he started threatening Roger and Rafa. They just hoped he wouldn't win this tournament," Todd Woodbridge said.
