Defending champion Jannik Sinner moved into the last 16 of Wimbledon with a straight-sets victory over Jenson Brooksby on Friday. The world No. 1, defending the maiden grass-court title he claimed at last year's Championships, had been given two almighty frights in his opening two rounds.
Sinner's Path to the Fourth Round
The Italian was taken to a marathon five-set encounter with big-serving Serb Miomir Kecmanovic as he opened play on Centre Court on the first Monday of the tournament. Nuno Borges also posed problems in the early knockings of their second-round meeting, dragging the 24-year-old into two tiebreaks. Against Kecmanovic, Sinner bled through his shoe and took a nasty tumble that left him crumpled in a heap on the south London turf, and he then battled with Borges for the best part of two and a half hours.
On Friday, Sinner defeated Brooksby 6-4 6-3 6-4 out on Court No. 1, while Novak Djokovic entertained those on Centre with a thrilling four-set victory over 25th seed Arthur Rinderknech. Sinner is likely to face Djokovic in the last four, provided both avoid any upsets along the way.
Key Moments in the Match
The Italian had to stave off three break points in the second set, and a double fault in the third made it seem as though the world No. 1 was faltering on what is normally such a solid delivery. That gave Brooksby a break point which he converted, lasering a backhand line winner, but he was pegged back immediately, as Sinner broke back. A further double fault from the American brought up the chance for Sinner to serve out the match, but he was forced to continue, as Brooksby roared back with another breach.
The world No. 81 was back on serve, but this time, he could not hold out. He held off two initial match points, but finally surrendered as Sinner blasted a forehand winner to book his place in the fourth round, raising a finger to his ear in a rare display of emotion.
Sinner Reflects on the Win
“I don’t know [why I did that],” he said afterwards. “That was very unusual – but I needed that today. I was a break up and couldn’t serve it out, I tried to rush to the finish line. It helped me today. Thanks [to the crowd] for pushing me.”
He faces Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki next, who beat Spain’s Rafael Jodar, the 23rd seed, on Court No. 18.
