Jannik Sinner has booked his place in the Wimbledon second round at a canter, defeating Luca Nardi in three very smooth-sailing sets.
The first saw both players trade blows before last year’s quarter-finalist broke at the crucial time, taking that set 6-4.
From that point forward though, it really was one-way traffic, with Jannik Sinner finishing off proceedings with a 6-0 bagel.
After such a strong showing, most players would be purring about all areas of their game. However, the reigning US and Australian Open champion would pick out just two reasons why he was left delighted with his performance.
Jannik Sinner rates his Wimbledon win over Luca Nardi
Speaking on the court immediately after defeating his countryman, he was naturally rather pleased with such a strong statement victory.
Asked about Wimbledon in general, Sinner began by stating: ‘I am very, very happy to come back here. It’s a special place for me, and playing against an Italian is for us very unfortunate but one has to go through and I am happy that’s me. The atmosphere is amazing, actually.
‘Thanks so much for coming out. I know it’s very hot and humid. I don’t remember the last time in London was this weather! So thank you so much.’
Then asked about his level, he listed two main areas that gave him joy, admitting: ‘We worked a lot after Halle on the serve. Today, in the important moments, I felt I was serving very well.
‘In the beginning, I think we both struggled a little bit. There was not so many rallies, but after I tried to step up, trying to hit through the ball which I am very happy with how I ended the match and hopefully that gives me the confidence to start the next match. But first matches are never easy, so I am very happy about my performance and also the serving today.’
This result should surprise nobody who heard Darren Cahill’s pre-Wimbledon interview about Sinner, praising his preparation.
Jannik Sinner grabs a perfect start to his Wimbledon campaign
After the devastation of the Roland Garros final, and his shock early exit at the Halle Open, it’s fair to say that Sinner was heading to Wimbledon with a cloud of uncertainty surrounding him.
Many wondered how he might bounce back after such a historic and crushing defeat, where he came within just one point of the crown.
However, it seems that it is business as usual for the world number one, who brushed aside his compatriot with relative ease.
We already know how good this 23-year-old sensation is at compartmentalising, given how he reacted to an impending ban during last year’s US Open.
And, despite Sinner parting ways with two of his coaching team, it has clearly not affected him.
A comprehensive and comfortable win, what’s scary about the three-time Grand Slam champion is that he will only get better as the tournament goes on. This was the perfect start to ease him into the Championships.
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