Sinner reaches Wimbledon quarterfinals in straight sets

Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the Wimbledon quarterfinals on Sunday, July 5, with a straight-sets victory over Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki. The world number one secured a 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3 win in a match played under the Centre Court roof.

Sinner, who arrived at the tournament without playing a grass-court warm-up event, was tested by the 151st-ranked Mochizuki but ultimately delivered a controlled performance. He saved all five break points he faced, including three in the sixth game of the third set, to close out the match in two hours and 25 minutes.

The Italian said he tried to stay aggressive against an unorthodox opponent. He acknowledged some frustration at not converting break point chances in the second set but expressed satisfaction with his overall level. Sinner praised Mochizuki's run through qualifying and into the second week of a major for the first time.

Mochizuki, the 2019 Wimbledon boys' champion, had upset 23rd seed Rafael Jodar to reach this stage. He had joked before the match that he expected Sinner to try to destroy him, but the qualifier's energetic play and low slice shots provided a spirited challenge, particularly in a tightly...