2026-06-30 08:46:53

Jannik Sinner has revealed that he was nervous about his opening Wimbledon clash against Miomir Kecmanovic.

The defending champion needed five sets to overcome the Serb on Monday (29.06.26) as he opened play on Centre Court and confessed that pressure got to him at times during the match.

Sinner said: “It was a very different feeling. There’s a lot of nerves when you go down the stairs behind the court. Also mentally knowing it’s such a prestigious and historic court.

“Coming back here as defending champion means a lot to me, even though every year is very tough. Very happy to win the first one, of course we will aim for a couple of improvements for the next match but today I can be very happy.

“I felt the first couple of sets there was a lot of mistakes on the forehand side. It’s normal, first round matches are never easy. I try to accept that, try to raise my level when I definitely needed to.

“Third set was very tough. Very great points from his side, but this is tennis. Every day is different.”

Despite his nerves, Sinner did hail the fans on Centre Court as the iconic tournament got underway.

The world number one said in his on-court interview: “Thanks for coming. Such a huge honour to start the tournament for the first player. I was a little tight in the beginning. I didn’t play my very best, but I tried to get into it.

“It was my first official match on grass, which is very important. I’m happy that I turned it around. The third set was a very tough one to swallow, but I’m very happy. Big honour to play in front of you so thanks for coming.”

Sinner suffered a fall and bleeding from his foot during the match but stressed that the injury was not a concern.

The Italian ace said: “No, no I’m good. It just seems much worse than it is. I’m actually very surprised they let me keep playing because all white turned into a little red.

“It’s just a nail that I didn’t want to disturb. I think Miomir (and I) both had a great rhythm, I didn’t want to take any time. It’s all good, thank you!”

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