Jannik Sinner had lost five in a row to Carlos Alcaraz before the 2025 Wimbledon final and wasn’t prepared to suffer a sixth-straight defeat.
Just one month on from Sinner’s heartbreaking defeat to Alcaraz in the French Open final, the pair met in another major final, at Wimbledon.
Stepping onto Centre Court as a slight underdog, Sinner lost the opening set to Alcaraz, as his Spanish rival looked well-positioned to win his third Wimbledon title in three years.
However, the world number one wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip through his fingers, as Sinner fought back to beat Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.
Reacting to the Italian’s maiden Wimbledon victory, two-time champion Jimmy Connors has suggested the real reason behind his triumph.
Jimmy Connors believes Jannik Sinner’s returns won him the Wimbledon title
During the latest episode of ‘Advantage Connors’, the eight-time Grand Slam champion gave his verdict on Sinner’s win.
“It’s interesting for me because everybody has put so much emphasis on the serve. This guy has a 140mph serve, and look at that, it’s so hard. That’s the biggest of all time,” said Connors.
“But what wins you matches? That is what [Jannik] Sinner did yesterday. Returns. He returned the ball with authority and with purpose.
“Not just to get the ball in play and start the point off, as they stay in neutral. But he was looking to take advantage and to be aggressive.”
Connors believes an elite return is crucial for players looking to win the sport’s biggest prizes.
“That is what you have to do in matches like that in the finals of Wimbledon or the US Open or Australia, if you are going to beat the best,” he said.
“The best are going to make it that far. The ones who are playing the best tennis, it does not matter if you are number one or two, if you are getting to the finals of those tournaments, you are playing the best at that time.”
The American proceeded to explain that Sinner and his coaching team have ‘figured out’ the importance of the return, a realization that played a significant role in his victory on Sunday.
“He has figured it out, or whoever is with him has figured it out, that you are holding very comfortably, so let’s put some pressure on the return or make them work hard,” said Connors.
“That pays dividends down the line. Maybe not right then, but at one set all and four all in the third, maybe so.
“It seems like he figured that out yesterday because he was very aggressive and not afraid to step in and take advantage of that second serve.”
Connors believes the return was key in the Wimbledon final, but what do the stats say?
Return stats from Jannik Sinner’s Wimbledon final win over Carlos Alcaraz
Analyzing data from tennisabstract, it’s clear to see just how impressive Sinner’s returns were against Alcaraz.
Facing 121 serves in the final, Sinner won 36% of his return points, an impressive tally.
- Jannik Sinner total return points won – 44/121 (36%)
- Jannik Sinner return points won v 1st Serve – 16/64 (25%)
- Jannik Sinner return points won v 2nd Serve – 21/50 (42%)
In comparison, Alcaraz won just 31% of his return points in the Wimbledon final.
- Carlos Alcaraz total return points won – 36/117 (31%)
- Carlos Alcaraz return points won v 1st Serve – 18/72 (25%)
- Carlos Alcaraz return points won v 2nd Serve – 16/43 (37%)
The difference in return numbers was much smaller during the French Open final one month earlier, a match that Alcaraz won.
Just two points and 1% separated the pair in Paris, as Sinner edged the returning stats despite coming up short.
Becoming more aggressive with his returns on the grass, Sinner was able to turn his fortunes around and secure a rare win over his Spanish rival.
Only time will tell if Sinner can keep impressing with his returns when he plays Alcaraz next, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Sinner and Alcaraz could potentially face off for a 14th time on the ATP Tour if both players reach the final of the Canadian Open, an event which begins on Monday, July 28.
