It was a banana-skin tie for the world number one on day three of the Championships against the 2021 runner-up. While Berrettini showed flashes of his brilliance with 28 aces and 65 winners, Sinner’s class and growing maturity shone through as he impressively negotiated a three-hour-and-42-minute encounter to progress into the last 32. More than sporting bragging rights were on the line when Sinner and Berrettini, who have both been extremely complimentary of each other, walked out to applause.
It was also a clash of fashion brands with Berrettini dressed head to toe in Hugo Boss, while Sinner was the Gucci representative, but the focus soon turned to tennis with big-serves aplenty in a closely fought first set. A break point opportunity did not occur until the 10th game, which Berrettini saved with a superb volley at the net and the opener eventually went to a tie-break. Berrettini claimed a mini-break when he sent down a 136mph ace, but Sinner wore down the 28-year-old and took the first set in 52 minutes.
I'm working late cause I'm a Sinner 🎶 @janniksin is through to the third round after victory under the Centre Court lights! #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/Phl4L4vv4a — Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 3, 2024 Set two started with a seven-minute hold for Berrettini, who appeared to have the upper-hand when Sinner could only net to give him a break to move 4-2 ahead.
The Australian Open champion responded perfectly, however, breaking back immediately as another tie-break was .
