Sinner's Tactical Shift Secures Wimbledon Last 16 Spot
Jannik Sinner, the world No 1, secured a straight-sets victory against American Jenson Brooksby to advance to the last 16 at Wimbledon. The Italian’s win, achieved in two hours and 13 minutes with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3, 6-4, marks his fifth consecutive appearance in this stage of the tournament and reinforces his position as a strong favorite, especially with Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury.
Reflecting on his performance, Sinner recalled advice he gave himself after last year about becoming less predictable and incorporating more net play to improve his chances against top opponents like Alcaraz. Initially, in the third-round match against Brooksby, Sinner largely stayed at the baseline, relying on powerful groundstrokes and only attempting a single bounce smash at the net during the first set.
However, in the second set, Sinner’s approach changed dramatically. He won all 11 points he played at the net and successfully executed four serve-and-volley plays, winning every one. This tactical adjustment proved decisive in securing the set and ultimately the match.
With a two-set lead, Sinner returned to his baseline game in the third set and maintained control to close out the match. He will next face Shintaro Mochizuki, the former junior champion who caused an upset by defeating Spanish player Rafael Jódar in four sets.
“Very happy about the win,” Sinner said. “Trying to improve every day. Small step forward today [but] trying to get better. If I want to go far in this tournament, couple of things I need to handle better, but all in all, very happy. He’s a very tough opponent. Very happy for the result.”
One moment of tension occurred when Sinner was broken while serving for the match at 5-3 in the third set, a situation reminiscent of his previous collapse at the same stage of his second-round match at Roland Garros last month. Nevertheless, he recovered quickly, cupping his hand to his ear after forcing a third match point—an unusual display of emotion for him—and then clinched the victory when Brooksby sent a forehand long.
Asked about the gesture, Sinner laughed, saying, “I don’t know. Very unusual, but I needed that today. I was a break up, trying to serve out, couldn’t, then had a couple of match points, couldn’t use them and I tried to rush to the finish line. It helped me today. Thanks for pushing me. I’ll try to be the best I can in a couple of days’ time and see how it goes.”
Brooksby’s Journey and Playing Style
Jenson Brooksby, a former junior standout who won the US Nationals title at 17, was making his second third-round appearance at Wimbledon, four years after his first. His career-high ranking of 33 was achieved in the same year. Brooksby faced significant challenges off the court, including an 18-month ban in late 2023 for missing three anti-doping tests within a year, later reduced to 13 months on appeal. Since returning at the start of 2025, he has climbed back into the world’s top 100, currently ranked 81.
Diagnosed with autism as a young child, Brooksby publicly disclosed this only last year. He shared how he learned to cope with and eventually enjoy the atmosphere of large crowds and noisy settings. Known for his unorthodox style, including a two-handed slice backhand, Brooksby impressed the crowd with flashes of brilliant tennis against Sinner, delivering sharp returns, powerful forehands, and delicate touch shots. Grass courts appear to suit his game well.
Brooksby had some missed opportunities early in the second set, failing to capitalize on break chances. Sinner then elevated his game, breaking to love to lead 4-3 and extending the advantage further. Although Brooksby broke in the opening game of the third set, Sinner quickly equalized and, despite the late hiccup, secured a confident victory.
Struff Upsets Medvedev to Reach Last 16
In another notable match, Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff reached the Wimbledon last 16 for the first time by defeating former world No 1 Daniil Medvedev in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5), 7-5.
