World No. 1 Jannik Sinner began his Wimbledon title defense with a challenging five-set victory over compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic on Centre Court. The top-seeded Italian battled for three hours and 29 minutes, ultimately winning with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 5-3.
Sinner's right shoe showed visible signs of blood, reportedly from a wound on his foot or toes sustained during a fall early in the match. Despite the injury, he continued playing, later stating he was surprised officials allowed him to continue given Wimbledon's strict all-white uniform policy. "I am good, (the blood) seems much worse than it is," Sinner said. "I am surprised they let me keep playing because of the all-white (uniform guidelines). It was a good match from both of us so I didn't want to disturb and take any time (with a medical time-out)."
The match marked Sinner's first competitive appearance on grass this summer, following his unexpected second-round exit at the French Open last month. Kecmanovic, ranked World No. 50, took a two-sets-to-one lead and pushed Sinner, forcing lengthy rallies. However, Sinner regrouped and secured the next two sets to level the match before clinching the decider.
"I was a little flat at the beginning, I did not play my best, it was my first official match on grass (this summer)," Sinner commented after the match. "I am very happy, it is a big honour to play in front of you. Coming back here as defending champion means a lot to me. I am very happy to win the first one, I will plan for a couple of improvements for the next match but I am happy."
Novak Djokovic, considered the second favorite behind Sinner, was scheduled to play his first-round match later on Monday evening against Wu Yibing.