Jannik Sinner, the world number one, navigated a challenging first-round match at Wimbledon, overcoming a mid-match wobble to defeat unseeded German Yannick Hanfmann in four sets, 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3. The Australian Open champion relied on his powerful serve and forehand to establish a commanding lead, breezing through the first set with a single break and extending his advantage early in the second. Hanfmann, though, refused to fold, mounting pressure on Sinner’s serve but ultimately failing to find a breakthrough. This allowed the 22-year-old top seed to move two sets ahead.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the third set. Hanfmann, ranked 110th in the world, surged ahead 4-0 as Sinner appeared to be hindered by a fall that occurred earlier in the match. Hanfmann, fueled by the crowd’s enthusiasm, capitalized on Sinner’s discomfort, forcing a fourth set with a well-placed volley.
Despite the setback, Sinner rediscovered his rhythm under the Court One lights, breaking serve early in the final set to establish a 3-1 lead. He then maintained his composure to close out the match, securing a place in the second round.
Sinner’s victory sets up an intriguing Italian clash against Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up, who defeated Hungarian Marton Fucsovics 7-6(3), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. This encounter promises to be a tough test for Sinner, who recently claimed his first grass-court title at Halle.
