Jannik Sinner describes his latest win at Wimbledon as a ‘small step forward’ but insists there is still room for improvement in his game.
The defending champion defeated American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, in what was an at times closely contested encounter, particularly in the closing stages. In the final set, Sinner moved to a 5-3 lead before getting broken when trying to serve the match out. In the following game, he then failed to convert two match points before it was third time lucky.
For the first time in his career, Sinner enters Wimbledon having not played any Tour-level grass event in the build-up. His decision to do so was triggered by his shock second round exit at the French Open. Now that he has played three matches at The All England Club, the world No.1 is confident he is heading in the right direction.
“I’m trying to find my way in,” Sinner told reporters.
“I felt better today, which was my main goal. Especially how I ended the match. In the last game, I was going for it a little bit better. So hopefully this gives me confidence then to start the next match in a positive way.”
Earlier in the tournament, Sinner started his campaign with a roller-coaster five-set win over Miomir Kecmanovic before a slightly smoother victory over Nuno Borges, who took him to a tiebreak in two out of three sets played.
“The return today was a little bit better,” Sinner continued about his current level.
“All things considered, it was a small step forward. I still have some gap to gain. Hopefully I can do that from the next match.”
The 24-year-old has enjoyed a solid record at Wimbledon in recent years, where he has reached the quarter-finals or better in every appearance since 2022. Last year, he defeated Carlos Alcaraz to win the tournament, becoming the first Italian in history to win a singles title at Wimbledon.
However, Sinner’s focus is on the present and not the past.
“Every year is different. You don’t win a (Grand Slam) tournament in the first week, but you can only lose it,” he explains.
“It’s always a good sign that I’m still here.”
Sinner’s next test will be qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki, who is enjoying a dream run at the tournament. Mochizuki won the boys’ title in 2019 and this year’s Wimbledon is the first time he has won back-to-back main draw matches at a major as a professional. His latest win was over rising star Rafael Jodar, whom he dismissed 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-4, 6-4.
“I try to focus on my side of the net. I know that’s the most important at the moment,” Sinner said ahead of the clash.
“He’s a very dangerous player. I try to be as prepared as I can.”
Sinner is scheduled to play Mochizuki on Sunday.
