Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the Wimbledon Round of 16 after a straight-sets victory over American Jenson Brooksby on July 3.
The world No. 1 Italian won 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 in two hours and 13 minutes on Centre Court at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
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Sinner is working to find his rhythm on grass after an early exit at the French Open earlier this year.
“Trying to improve every day,” Sinner said. “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.”
The victory sets up a fourth-round match on July 5 against unranked Japanese player Shintaro Mochizuki, who upset third-seeded Rafael Jodar.
Mochizuki expressed surprise at his run and described facing Sinner as surreal.
“It’s a very strange feeling to face Jannik here at Wimbledon,” Mochizuki said. “Especially this year.
Before coming here, I wasn’t winning almost any matches, and I still don’t quite know how I managed to reach the fourth round.”
He added: “I’m super excited, but at the same time, it’s weird to see myself at this stage of the tournament.
I just want to keep enjoying the experience.”
Mochizuki expects an aggressive start from Sinner.
“I don’t know him much. For me, he’s almost a celebrity,” Mochizuki said.
“That’s why I say it’s weird to face him. I’m convinced he’ll play very fast and try to destroy me from the first point.
