Defending champion Jannik Sinner came back from two sets to one down to beat Miomir Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round on Monday, surviving a worrisome tumble and a bloodied foot to keep his title defence alive. The match, played on Centre Court in three hours and 30 minutes, marked Sinner's first competitive grass-court outing of the season and came a month after his shocking second-round exit at Roland Garros.
How did Sinner struggle early?
Sinner lost the opening set after struggling with his serve and shot selection, surrendering serve in the ninth game. The world No. 1 said he was "a little tight in the beginning" and noted the pressure of opening on the prestigious Centre Court as defending champion. He recovered to win the second set 6-3 but faced a third-set tiebreak after an awkward fall left him with a visible foot injury.
What happened to Sinner's foot?
During the third set, Sinner fell hard to the grass while changing direction, and blood seeped through his white shoe. He grimaced but continued playing without calling for a trainer. Sinner later clarified the injury was not serious, describing it as "just a nail" and saying he was surprised officials allowed him to keep playing given the visible bloodstaining on his outfit. Wimbledon enforces a strict all-white dress code.
What does this victory mean?
Sinner's win marked his 94th Grand Slam match victory, drawing him level with Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli for the most major-round wins by an Italian player. The victory also extended his winning streak to eight consecutive matches. With two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by a wrist injury, Sinner is the clear favourite to become the tenth man in the Open era to retain the Wimbledon title.
Sinner will face Portugal's Nuno Borges in the second round on Wednesday.