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.
