Jannik Sinner is the youngest Italian to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon in the open era. He erased Andy Murray’s vanquisher John Isner in straight sets.
Sinner, the no.10 seed, is 20 years’old and came up against 37-year-old no.20 seed John Isner. The American Isner discovered what it felt like to be on the receiving end.
Sinner is considered one of the game’s ‘bright young things’. And whilst sets were tight but in a match of tiny margins, the Italian always had the edge.
“For me, in the beginning of the week, it was important to win one match on grass, so I am very happy to be now in the last 16. It means a lot to me,” Sinner said. “I am just trying my best, day after day. I tried to get used to the grass (and) I think now I am a bit more confident. That is important.”
Bidding for fourth consecutive Grand Slam quarter-final
Sinner is bidding to reach the last 16 for the fourth consecutive Grand Slam. He is the youngest Italian to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon in the Open era.
His rival was making his 13th Wimbledon appearance. His huge serves were booming down his serves at Sinner, but the Italian was not fazed. He now meets the exciting 19-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16.
Last year, Matteo Berrettini became the first Italian to reach the Wimbledon final, losing to Novak Djokovic. This year, Berrettini was having a fabulous grass court season, until he tested positive for covid on the day and had to pull out.
Let’s not forget, there is still another Italian in the running. Tomorrow (Saturday 2nd July), Sonego faces another Spaniard – Rafa Nadal. The third match on Centre Court, will Sonego be able to topple the in-form Nadal? The Spaniard is working towards a season Grand Slam, in other words winning all four majors in one year.
