World number one Jannik Sinner insists he is fully prepared to defend his Wimbledon title, despite entering the grass-court Grand Slam without any competitive matches on the surface this season. The Italian has not played since a surprising second-round defeat at the French Open in May, where he lost a two-set lead against Juan Manuel Cerundolo in oppressive heat at Roland Garros.
Sinner Skipped Warm-Up Events for Rest
Rather than participating in traditional Wimbledon preparatory tournaments, Sinner chose to rest before intensifying his practice schedule in London. This marks the first time he has not played a grass-court event ahead of the Championships. Sinner explained his reasoning: “I feel good. I think grass is very different surface obviously. If you play a tournament before here, maybe it’s not going the way you would like to, you come here with some doubts. If you don’t play any tournament, you don’t have these doubts, you just go and play.”
Sinner will open his campaign on Center Court Monday against Serbian world number 51 Miomir Kecmanovic. “First rounds, they’re always going to be very tough. I know that mentally. We are preparing ourself in the best possible way,” he said.
Fitness Adjustments for Heat
The 24-year-old revealed he has made modifications to his fitness regimen to better handle the transition to grass amid soaring temperatures in England. “We did some changes. I don’t say big, big changes. But I always believe in small details and small changes. We are happy at the moment with what we are doing. The result we’re not going to see here. It’s a long process. There’s no magic behind. But yeah, we are doing as much as we can. I’m very happy with the work we did in the last two and a half weeks. Very long days. I feel well-prepared,” Sinner stated.
Following his French Open exit, Sinner underwent comprehensive medical tests to assess his physical condition. “General tests to see health-wise how I was, to be sure that all is okay with the body, which is. All tests were really good. Even though we are very sure we need to practice in hotter conditions. I feel like everywhere where we play is going to be very hot. Every year is getting warmer and warmer,” he added.
Title Favorite Amid Alcaraz Absence
Sinner enters Wimbledon as the title favorite, particularly with his main rival Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to a wrist injury and Novak Djokovic advancing in age. The reigning champion is chasing a fifth Grand Slam crown and his first since winning Wimbledon in 2025. He expressed confidence in his preparation, noting the intensive two-and-a-half-week training block in London.
