Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner began his title defense on Centre Court with a hard-fought five-set victory over Miomir Kecmanovic. The match lasted three and a half hours, with Sinner ultimately prevailing 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-2, 6-3.
This marked Sinner's first match since a significant second-round loss at the French Open last month, where he held a substantial lead before experiencing a collapse. Sinner had opted against playing a grass-court tournament in the lead-up to Wimbledon, making this his first competitive match on the surface since that event.
Sinner's physical durability was tested throughout the match. In the third set, he slipped behind the baseline, prompting concern from the crowd and a visit from the umpire. During the crucial fourth set, blood was observed seeping from his shoe, which Sinner later attributed to a problematic toenail.
Despite these challenges and an error-strewn start, Sinner managed to raise his level when it mattered most. This comeback victory prevented him from becoming only the third defending Wimbledon men's champion to be eliminated in the first round. He improved his record in five-set matches, averting another early exit.