After his topsy-turvy opening win, Jannik Sinner enjoyed a smoother run in the second round at Wimbledon on Wednesday.
The world No.1 and defending champion battled past Portugal’s Nuno Borges 7-6(4), 7-6(2), 6-4 in what was an at times tricky clash. Despite being ranked 47 places higher than his rival, Sinner was pushed hard in the first two sets and in one of those he had to come back from 3-5 down.
However, as the match progressed, the Italian took control of proceedings. Sinner began the third frame by breaking two consecutive times to get a stronghold. To Borges’ credit, he continued fighting on Centre Court but couldn’t find a way back in. Allowing the top seed to seal victory after two-and-a-half hours.
“I’m happy. The second set was very tough; it felt like the first couple of sets we were serving very well so there were not a lot of exchanges,” Sinner said afterwards.
“But overall these kinds of matches when you don’t have a lot of control. I’m very happy to win, especially on this surface.
I’m happy about the result, but there are a couple of things we need to improve.”
Throughout his latest match, Sinner hit 47 winners against 29 unforced errors and won 82% of his first service points against Borges, who was facing a No.1 player for the first time in his career. The victory is yet another milestone for record-breaker Sinner, who has now won more Grand Slam matches (95) than any other male player from his country.
Despite the victory, Sinner is yet to reach top form. He played no matches on grass at the Tour level heading into Wimbledon following his shock exit from the French Open.
“In the first (round) match, I felt a lack of matches (played). Also today in a couple of moments,’ he admits.
“I need to get back to this rhythm, but overall, if we look at the score, it was very close. These matches help me a lot.”
Brooksby next
Awaiting Sinner next will be America’s Jenson Brooksby, who has won only two out of his last 16 matches against players ranked inside the top 40. Although one of those victories occurred in the second round at SW19 on Wednesday when he defeated 31st seed Ignacio Buse 6-2, 6-2, 6-3.
“It would probably be one of the toughest challenges right now in tennis, just for how he’s consistently been winning slams or big events,” the American said of facing Sinner.
“I’m someone who loves that challenge and it’s obviously one of the toughest challenges in tennis. I never doubt my ability to be able to beat someone.
“There is nothing more I love than being able to be on these big show courts in big matches as it goes further in the Slams.”
A lot has happened since the two last locked horns on the Tour. Their only previous meeting was in 2021 at the Washington Open, which Sinner won in straight sets. Brookby has been ranked as high as 33rd in the world but has been affected by injury and served a ban for missing three anti-doping tests within a 12-month period.
“We’ve both changed as players a lot since that match,” Brooksby reflected.
“I treat it like any other match. Obviously it would be a big moment and a tough challenge but I just go do my homework like I have the last couple guys, and then just be physically, mentally ready for battle.”
Sinner is set to play his third round match on Friday.
