Sinner overcomes mid-match stumble to win Wimbledon opener

LONDON: Jannik Sinner, the world number one, faced a significant challenge in his first-round match at Wimbledon against unseeded German Yannick Hanfmann. Despite a wobble in the third set, Sinner recovered to secure a 6-3, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory on Monday, setting up a meeting with fellow Italian Matteo Berrettini.

Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, showcased his powerful serve and forehand to dominate the first set with a single break. He continued his momentum into the second set, taking an early lead. Hanfmann, ranked 110th in the world, fought hard to put pressure on Sinner’s serve but couldn’t break through, allowing Sinner to move two sets ahead.

The match took a dramatic turn in the third set when Hanfmann went 4-0 up. Sinner appeared to struggle after a fall, and Hanfmann capitalized, winning the set 6-3 to the delight of the crowd. However, Sinner quickly regained his form under the lights of Court One, breaking Hanfmann early in the fourth set and holding his lead to close out the match.

With this victory, Sinner advances to face Matteo Berrettini, promising an exciting encounter between two top Italian players.