The 2026 edition of Wimbledon got underway at the All England Club in London on Monday, with several top stars facing early tests on the grass courts.

Sinner looked in danger of suffering a shock first-round exit after falling behind during a tense five-set battle. The Italian found himself trailing and struggling physically before producing a strong comeback to secure victory after more than three and a half hours on court.

The world-class showdown became even more dramatic in the fourth set when blood was seen coming through Sinner’s shoe. Speaking after the match, the defending champion revealed that a toenail had come off during play, causing significant discomfort.

At one stage, concerns grew that Sinner might be forced to retire from the match because of the injury. Instead, the Italian showed resilience, fighting through the pain and regaining control in the closing stages.

He eventually defeated Kecmanovic 4-6, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2, 6-3 to keep his title defence alive.

Reflecting on the victory, Sinner admitted that the occasion brought additional pressure. He described opening play on Centre Court as an honour and acknowledged that nerves affected him early in the contest before he settled into his rhythm.

The victory ensures the defending champion remains on course for another deep run at Wimbledon, where expectations remain high following his title-winning campaign last year.

Meanwhile, seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic also progressed to the second round, although the Serbian veteran was forced to work hard for his win over China’s Wu Yibing.

The 39-year-old is aiming to capture a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, a milestone that would further strengthen his position among the sport’s all-time greats. However, his opening match proved far from straightforward, with Djokovic needing four sets to seal victory.

The match marked Djokovic’s first appearance since his surprise defeat to Brazilian youngster Joao Fonseca in the third round of the French Open.

After the contest, Djokovic acknowledged the physical and mental demands of the encounter. The Serbian said the match felt far more intense than a typical first-round contest and admitted he was not feeling completely fresh despite securing the win.

While Sinner and Djokovic commanded most of the attention in the men’s draw, Naomi Osaka provided one of the highlights in the women’s competition.

The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan advanced to the second round with a straight-sets victory over France’s Elsa Jacquemot, winning 6-1, 7-5.

Osaka also attracted attention away from the court. Known for her distinctive style, she arrived in a white outfit inspired by the traditional Japanese kimono, adapting the look to comply with Wimbledon’s strict all-white dress code.

Her appearance quickly became a talking point among fans and spectators, adding a cultural touch to the opening day of the tournament.

With major contenders successfully navigating early challenges, Wimbledon’s opening day delivered both drama and memorable moments, setting the stage for an exciting fortnight at the All England Club.