Novak Djokovic had to work hard to defeat Wu Yibing of China, while Jannik Sinner overcame a serious scare and a bleeding foot to begin his Wimbledon title defence with a five-set triumph over Miomir Kecmanovic.
Sinner fought back to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-2, and 6-3 on Monday after being on the verge of becoming just the third male defending champion to lose in the Wimbledon opening round. The Italian world number one overcame a two-set deficit to win his first five-set match in six tries.
Sinner hurt his right foot in an awkward fall that left his sneaker covered in blood, making his valiant triumph in 3 hours and 28 minutes all the more admirable. He screamed in agony and remained still for a while before cautiously starting to play again.
Sinner is the overwhelming favorite to become the tenth man in the Open history to win the trophy again, with two-time Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz still out due to a wrist injury he sustained in Barcelona in April. He is vying for his first Grand Slam championship since winning his first at the All England Club the previous year and his fifth overall.
However, the 24-year-old has failed to make it to a Grand Slam final this year and was eliminated in the second round of the French Open after losing a two-set lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo due to the oppressive heat in Paris. The Italian stated that his most recent fitness issue will not have an impact on him ahead of Wednesday’s second-round matchup with Nuno Borges of Portugal.
“I’m good. It just seems much worse than it is. I’m actually very surprised that they let me keep playing because my all white outfit turned into a little red! It is just a nail,” AFP quoted Sinner as saying.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic is anticipated to be one of Sinner’s primary opponents in Alcaraz’s absence. The 39-year-old Serb is vying for the record of 25 Grand Slam singles victories for both men and women.
If Djokovic wins the Grand Slam on July 12, he will be the oldest man to do so in the Open era. Djokovic, who worked for more than three hours to defeat Chinese world number 102 Wu 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-4 in front of David Beckham and rapper Bad Bunny, will need to significantly improve if he is to meet those historic goals.
“It was very challenging for me today. I’m feeling happy but not the freshest I guess. It didn’t feel like the first round to be honest,” said Djokovic, who plays Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round.
Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked woman in the world, defeated Serbian qualifier Teodora Kostovic 6-2, 6-3 in just 65 minutes. Despite winning four Grand Slam titles, Sabalenka has never advanced to the Wimbledon final. The 28-year-old takes on American McCartney Kessler in the second round.
“Super, super excited to be back. It’s a special place, to play on this beautiful court,” Sabalenka said.
After getting injured on match point, French Open finalist Maja Chwalinska lost to Mananchaya Sawangkaew of Thailand 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. Polish 20th seed Chwalinska was unable to rekindle her clay-court magic just weeks after her incredible qualifying run at Roland Garros.
Before defeating Elsa Jacquemot of France in straight sets, Naomi Osaka of Japan made a dramatic entry onto the court wearing an outfit reminiscent of a kimono. Osaka has gained notoriety for dressing extravagantly before a match.
Another striking decision was the four-time Grand Slam champion’s Wimbledon attire, a ceremonial garment adorned with cherry blossoms and embroidered cranes.
Casper Ruud, the 11th seed from Norway and a three-time Grand Slam finalist, lost to Hubert Hurkacz of Poland 6-4, 6-2, 7-6 (9/7) on opening day.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, a third-seeded Canadian, easily defeated Alexander Shevchenko. Mirra Andreeva defeated Magda Linette of Poland in straight sets after earning her first Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The fifth-seeded 19-year-old Russian will next take on Barbora Krejcikova, the 2024 Wimbledon champion. Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff crushed Tamara Korpatsch, while American fourth seed Jessica Pegula easily defeated Darja Vidmanova.
