Jannik Sinner proved he is "the best player in the world" after he "annihilated" Carlos Alcaraz to claim his maiden Wimbledon title, so says compatriot Lorenzo Sonego.
The pair faced off in a second consecutive grand slam final, with Sinner looking to avenge his French Open defeat, having fallen to Alcaraz's epic comeback in a match that lasted five and a half hours.
The rematch at the All England Club saw the Italian come from behind to earn a 4-6 6-4 6-4 6-4 victory in just over three hours, ending a run of five consecutive defeats to Alcaraz.
Sinner contested his 100th grand slam match in the Wimbledon final, making him the first player to reach the milestone in a major showpiece.
He claimed his 81st men's singles match win at grand slam events – since 2000, only Rafael Nadal (86) has claimed more wins from his first 100 such matches at majors.
Claiming a fourth grand slam title of his career, Sinner is the first Italian in tennis history to claim men's or women's singles titles on multiple surfaces at major events.
"It was a great moment for all of us Italians, and obviously for me. We've trained together often this season, and we've even played doubles several times throughout our careers," Sonego told Tuttosport.
"I knew Jannik was desperate to bounce back after his incredible defeat at Roland-Garros, and he wasted no time. He confirmed he's the best player in the world, especially mentally."
Sinner had come within touching distance of an early exit at Wimbledon, having been two sets down to Grigor Dimitrov in the round of 16 before the Bulgarian had to retire through injury.
Of his completed matches, Sinner dropped just one set, which came in the showpiece, while only three players in the Open Era conceded fewer games en route to a men's singles final at Wimbledon than his 56 – Roger Federer (52, 2006), Jimmy Connors (54, 1975) and John McEnroe (54, 1982).
Sonego was delighted with what he saw from Sinner in the final and believes it will spur other Italians to push their limits going forward.
"Jannik delivered a great performance from every perspective," Sonego, who was knocked out in the last 16 by Ben Shelton, added.
"He was courageous in the most crucial moments of the match, for example, hitting second serves that annihilated the Spaniard.
"He was very good at coming back after losing the first set and capitalising, despite fighting, on the break he gained at the start of the second set.
"He gradually took away the confidence of the two-time Wimbledon champion and went on to deservedly take the title.
"His emotion was also ours, mine specifically, when I think of all the fans who had never seen an Italian player triumph at Wimbledon.
"It will be a further incentive for all of us and the entire Italian tennis movement to always do better. Coolness and courage are two weapons that only greats like him possess and contribute to reaching the top."
