Bloodied Sinner Survives Wimbledon Thriller, Djokovic Also Wins. (Image Internet)
New Delhi: Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame a major challenge and a painful injury scare to advance to the second round of Wimbledon 2026. The world number one defeated Miomir Kecmanovic in a thrilling five-set battle on Monday, surviving a match that pushed him close to an early exit.
Sinner won 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, 6-3 in a contest lasting three hours and 28 minutes. The victory marked his first five-set win in his last six Grand Slam matches.
The Italian star suffered a worrying moment during the match when he fell awkwardly and injured his right foot. Sinner screamed in pain and remained on the court for several moments before continuing.
His white tennis outfit was stained with blood after the incident, but the 24-year-old recovered his focus and completed a memorable comeback.
Sinner is aiming to become only the 10th male player in the Open era to successfully defend the Wimbledon title. He is also chasing his fifth Grand Slam trophy after winning his first All England Club title last year.
Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic also faced a difficult opening match. The Serbian star needed more than three hours to defeat China’s Wu Yibing 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4.
Djokovic, who is targeting a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, admitted the match was physically demanding and said it did not feel like a typical first-round encounter.
The 39-year-old will next face Stefanos Tsitsipas as he continues his pursuit of another historic Wimbledon crown.
Women’s world number one Aryna Sabalenka made a strong start, defeating Serbian qualifier Teodora Kostovic 6-2, 6-3.
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka also grabbed attention with her stylish kimono-inspired outfit before comfortably winning her opening match.
Elsewhere, several seeded players experienced mixed fortunes. Casper Ruud suffered an early defeat against Hubert Hurkacz, while Mirra Andreeva, Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff progressed to the next round.
With top contenders battling injuries and pressure, Wimbledon 2026 has already delivered unexpected drama from the opening day.
