Jannik Sinner survives huge 5-set scare, battles injury to reach Wimbledon 2nd round

Jannik Sinner produced a statement of resilience at Wimbledon 2026 as he overcame Miomir Kecmanovic in a dramatic five-set battle for a place in the second round. 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 easy for the world number one, who extended his remarkable run at the All England Club to eight in a row while recording his 38th win of the 2026 season. Against inspired opposition and under physical pressure, Sinner showed again why he sits at the top of the game.

Only last month, 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 again seemed stacked against the Italian. This time, however, Sinner found a way to emerge victorious.

Wimbledon 2026 update on 1

In the first set, Sinner was unusually restless as Kecmanovic dictated the pace with deep, consistent strokes. The Serb repeatedly forced the Italian into extended baseline exchanges, disrupting his rhythm and revealing a drop in first serve percentage. Sinner’s errors crept in at key moments and Kecman took advantage late to take the set 6-4 with a decisive break.

The second set brought a clear tactical response from Sinner, who increased his aggressiveness on the return, improved the accuracy of the first serve and began to dictate the plays with harder shots into the ground. The shift in intensity paid off as he earned an early break and maintained control with steadier service games to level the match at 6-3.

THE SINNER SUFFERES THE FEAR OF INJURY

The third set became the most physically and emotionally demanding phase of the competition. Both players held serve through long, grinding games, but the break came when Sinner slipped on the green on a change of direction.

The fall visibly injured him, with blood seeping through his shoe, which briefly raised concerns about his movement and stamina. Despite the injury, he continued bravely, although Kecmanovic remained composed and leveled the tiebreak to regain the lead.

Far from fading, Sinner produced one of his most impressive responses in the fourth set, raising his level despite clear discomfort. He shortened the points, served with more accuracy and began targeting Kecmanovic’s backhand to limit long exchanges. The adjustment worked perfectly as he broke serve and closed out the set at 6-2 to force a decision.

In the fifth set, Sinner’s resilience defined the contest. Still dealing with the effects of his earlier fall, he played smarter and more aggressive tennis – stepping into the baseline and early taking control in the forehands. A crucial break in the middle of the set changed the momentum decidedly in his direction. From there, he held his nerve on serve to close out the match and complete a hard-fought comeback.

Sinner will next face Portugal’s Nun Borges, who defeated Tristan Boyer of the United States 6-3, 7-5, 7-5 in the opening round.

– The end

Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

29 Jun 2026 22:03 IST