World number one Jannik Sinner triumphed in an all-Italian Centre Court battle against Matteo Berrettini, securing his spot in the third round of Wimbledon on Wednesday.
Sinner clinched the first two sets through tiebreaks under the closed roof but faced a strong comeback from Berrettini before finally winning 7-6(3) 7-6(4) 2-6 7-6(4).
Berrettini, who was a finalist against Novak Djokovic in 2021 but struggled with injuries last year and is now ranked 59th, appeared poised to push the match to a fifth set with his powerful play.
Top seed Sinner showed signs of faltering when early groundstroke errors put him a break down in the fourth set, but he regained control just in time.
Berrettini saved a match point at 5-6 in the fourth set and unleashed a forehand to force a third tiebreak in this gripping contest.
Despite expectations that the big-serving Berrettini would prevail, Sinner remained composed under pressure, sealing victory just before Wimbledon’s 11pm curfew.
“It was incredibly challenging to face Matteo in the second round of such a crucial tournament,” remarked Sinner, who shared a warm embrace with his friend and fellow countryman at the net. “Today’s match was of a very high calibre, and we both performed admirably. In the three tiebreaks, I had a stroke of luck. I knew I had to elevate my game today because he excels on grass courts. There were some fluctuations, which is to be expected, but I’m pleased to have progressed to the next round.”
The 22-year-old Sinner, who has now extended his record against other Italians to 14-0, will continue his campaign to secure the Wimbledon title, following his victory at this year’s Australian Open, by facing Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic on Friday.
