Sinner battles to victory over Kecmanovic in five-set Wimbledon opener
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 29, 2026, 7:45 PM
Last updated Jun 29, 2026

Jannik Sinner, the world No 1, began his Wimbledon title defense by defeating Miomir Kecmanovic in a challenging five-set match on Centre Court on June 29, 2026. The match ended with scores of 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3. Sinner faced adversity, coming back from two sets to one down, and overcoming a fall that left him with a bleeding foot. This match was seen as a test of Sinner's resilience following prior concerns about his performance in five-set matches.
- •Sinner won 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 against Kecmanovic.
- •He overcame a fall and a bleeding foot during the match.
- •Sinner was down two sets to one before mounting a comeback.
- •This victory marks the start of Sinner's title defense at Wimbledon.
- •Concerns about Sinner's five-set performance were highlighted prior to the match.
- 7:45 PMThe Guardian Sport — Sinner overcomes rust and five-set demons to edge past Kecmanovic in Wimbledon opener
"World No 1 wins 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 Italian overcame a fall and bleeding foot For one uncomfortable month, in the aftermath of the most shocking collapse of his career, the discourse around Jannik Sinner focused on his lack of durability. Not only was he so vulnerable in remotely warm conditions, but to many his five-set record of six wins and 12 defeats was unworthy of a player of his stature. It was only fitting, then, that Sinner immediately found himself embroiled in another fifth set on his return to the match court. This time, the world No 1 kept his composure and held firm physically at the climax to recover from two sets to one down against a courageous challenger in Miomir Kecmanovic, opening his title defence with a 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 win on Centre Court. Continue reading...
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