Top-seeded Jannik Sinner survives first-round scare at Wimbledon
Steve GardnerTop-seeded Jannik Sinner survived a major scare in his opening match at Wimbledon, needing five sets to defeat Serbia's Miomir Kecmanović.
Sinner had his hands full all day with the 50th-ranked Kecmanović, dropping the first and third sets before rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-2, 6-3 victory on Centre Court.
After melting down in the second round of the French Open in his last Grand Slam appearance, the world's No. 1 player was able to summon the necessary energy to pull through on the grass at the All England Club.
He also had to overcome a possible injury that appeared to have blood from his foot seeping through his shoe.
"I'm good," Sinner said in his post-match interview. "Actually (I'm) very surprised they let me keep playing because all white, that turned into a little red.
I didn't want to disturb Miomir. I think we both had good rhythm. It was a great match from both of us so I didn't want to take any time (out). It's all good, thank you."
The Italian star broke Kecmanović in the sixth game of the final set to take control and then served out the match.
A defending men's champion hadn't lost in the first round since Lleyton Hewitt did so to Ivo Karlovic in 2003.
Who does Jannik Sinner play next at Wimbledon?
After prevailing in the five-set thriller against Kecmanović, Sinner will continue his Wimbledon title defense on Wednesday against Portugal's Nuno Borges in a second-round match.
How to watch Wimbledon 2026
Television coverage of the Championships at Wimbledon from the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club is being broadcast on the ESPN family of networks.