Sinner overcomes Kecmanovic in five-set Wimbledon first round
8 reported
World number one Jannik Sinner began his Wimbledon title defense with a five-set comeback victory over Miomir Kecmanovic, winning 4-6 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 6-3 after three and a half hours on Centre Court. Sinner, a four-time major winner, recovered from an error-strewn start and a fall during the third set that caused concern in the crowd. Blood was seeping from his shoe during the fourth set, which he later explained was caused by a problematic toenail. Sinner had won just one of his past nine matches that went to a fifth set but raised his level to avoid becoming only the third defending Wimbledon men's champion to lose in the first round. He ended the match with 31 aces and 72 winners, committing only 10 of his 52 unforced errors in the final two sets. Sinner said he tried to stay mentally present and enjoy the moment, calling it a huge privilege to play the opening match on Centre Court. He will face Portugal's Nuno Borges in the next round.
What’s reported
Jannik Sinner defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-2 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round.
The match lasted three and a half hours on Centre Court.
Sinner slipped behind the baseline during the third set, causing gasps in the crowd, and the umpire checked on him.
Blood was seeping from Sinner's shoe during the fourth set, attributed to a problematic toenail.
Sinner had won only one of his past nine matches that went to a fifth set.
He ended with 31 aces and 72 winners, with 10 of his 52 unforced errors in the final two sets.
Sinner said: "I tried to stay there mentally, [but] also trying to enjoy the moment."
He will next play Portugal's Nuno Borges.
Key figures
Jannik Sinner: world number one, defending Wimbledon champion, four-time major winner
Miomir Kecmanovic: 50th-ranked opponent
Juan Manuel Cerundolo: Argentine player who defeated Sinner at the French Open
Carlos Alcaraz: injured main rival, absent from the tournament
Nuno Borges: Sinner's next opponent from Portugal
Sources: BBC News
