Sunday’s Wimbledon final should be an intriguing one, even if many feel like they already know which way it might go.
After all, it’s hard to bet against Jannik Sinner, not just because of his current form and being the defending champion, but because of how overwhelming his recent record has been against Alexander Zverev.
The German has lost their last nine encounters, having last tasted victory in this rivalry in 2023.
It will take a monumental task to suddenly end that torrid run on arguably the biggest stage in world tennis.
Pat Cash and Eugenie Bouchard have been discussing his chances, and both seemed to land on the same conclusion.
Genie Bouchard and Pat Cash preview the men’s Wimbledon final
Speaking on the BBC after both of yesterday’s semi-finals had concluded, it was Bouchard who kicked off the analysis.
However, she did not have many words of encouragement for Zverev, as she stated: “After watching Sinner today, I am definitely going the Sinner route of who will win the match.
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“He just had the perfect balance of power and consistency from the baseline. He was even moving well when he was pushed out wide.
“One thing I do like for Zverev though is he has gone a little under the radar this tournament. Everyone has been so focused on Sinner, Djokovic and Fery that he has snuck his way into the final.”
Cash then chimed in, and whilst he refrained from picking his winner, he did tell Zverev what he will have to do to stand a chance of troubling the world number one: “The head-to-head is just Sinner all over and he has never found a solution. On the grass you do get more out of the serve though, and Zverev’s serving is phenomenal.
“He is going to get a few more free points. I don’t know if he can win, but if there is any chance of breaking this hoodoo that Sinner has over him it’s here because he’s going to get some free points, he’s going to smash a few winners. He will have to be aggressive.”
Sinner said he’s noticed a change in Zverev lately, but it remains to be seen whether that will be enough to truly make him competitive on Sunday.
Alexander Zverev’s only chance of beating Jannik Sinner
Whilst Cash is right to suggest that the serve will be integral to Zverev’s chances of winning, there is also a mindset that he must adopt to truly trouble Sinner.
After all, if he plays his usual passive game, he will allow the world number one to get into a rhythm and pick him apart.
Fortunately, we saw glimpses of this aggression against Arthur Fery, particularly on the forehand wing.
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He was offensive and pinpoint, and as such scored a relatively simple victory.
Sunday will be anything but easy, but he at least gives himself a chance by making this crucial mindset shift and going out to win the Wimbledon final rather than trying to just stay alive.
