Jannik Sinner produced a statement of resilience at Wimbledon 2026, overcoming Miomir Kecmanovic in a dramatic five-set battle to book his place in Round 2. The Italian took three hours and 30 minutes to win the match 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3.
It was far from straightforward for the World No.1, who extended his remarkable run at the All England Club to eight consecutive wins while also registering his 38th victory of the 2026 season. Against an inspired opponent and under physical distress, Sinner once again showed why he sits at the top of the game.
It was only last month that Sinner suffered a heartbreaking five-set defeat to Juan Martin Cerundolo after falling ill during the match. With a modest record in five-set contests, the odds appeared stacked against the Italian once again. This time, however, Sinner found a way to emerge victorious.
The first set saw Sinner unusually unsettled as Kecmanovic dictated tempo with deep, consistent hitting. The Serbian repeatedly forced the Italian into extended baseline exchanges, disrupting his rhythm and exposing a dip in first-serve percentage. Sinner’s errors crept in at key moments, and Kecmanovi capitalised late, breaking decisively to take the set 6-4.
The second set brought a clear tactical response from Sinner, who increased aggression on return, improved his first-serve accuracy, and began dictating rallies with heavier groundstrokes. The shift in intensity paid off as he earned an early break and maintained control through more stable service games, levelling the match with a 6-3 set.
SINNER SUFFERS INJURY SCARE
The third set became the most physically and emotionally demanding phase of the contest. Both players held serve through long, grinding games, but the turning point came when Sinner slipped on the grass during a change of direction.
The fall left him visibly hurt, with blood seeping through his shoe, briefly raising concerns about his movement and endurance. Despite the injury, he continued bravely, though Kecmanovic stayed composed and edged the tiebreak to regain the lead.
Far from fading, Sinner delivered one of his most impressive responses in the fourth set, raising his level despite clear discomfort. He shortened points, served with greater precision, and began targeting Kecmanovic’s backhand to reduce long exchanges. The adjustment worked perfectly as he broke serve and closed the set 6-2 to force a decider.
In the fifth set, Sinner’s resilience defined the contest. Still managing the effects of his earlier fall, he played smarter, more aggressive tennis—stepping inside the baseline and taking control early in rallies. A crucial mid-set break shifted momentum decisively his way. From there, he held his nerve on serve and closed out the match, completing a hard-fought comeback.
Sinner will next be up against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who defeated Tristan Boyer of the United States 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in the opening round.
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