Sinner: 'I didn't know what to expect' from Wimbledon opponent

Defending champion Jannik Sinner moved closer to retaining his Wimbledon title, securing a spot in his fifth career quarterfinal with a victory over qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki. The Italian star won in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(0), 6-3, against the Japanese player who had exceeded expectations to reach this stage.

“

It was the first time we were playing, and I didn't know what to expect. I tried to manage some situations better than him, and I succeeded. But he is a great player.

Sinner admitted that facing Mochizuki, whom he had never played before, presented an element of uncertainty. "It was the first time we were playing, and I didn't know what to expect," Sinner stated on court. "I tried to manage some situations better than him, and I succeeded. But he is a great player."

The world number one praised Mochizuki's performance throughout the tournament, especially coming from the qualifying rounds. "Coming from the qualifying rounds and playing at this high level for so long is impressive. I wish him the best. He has to be proud of what he has done, of himself and of his whole team," Sinner added.

“

Coming from the qualifying rounds and playing at this high level for so long is impressive. I wish him the best. He has to be proud of what he has done, of himself and of his whole team.

Looking ahead, Sinner is set to face Germany's Jan Lennard Struff in the quarterfinals. Sinner expressed significant respect for his next opponent, describing him as "a very aggressive player with a great serve." He recalled their previous encounters, noting a particularly close match on grass in Halle. "We have played several times, and the last one was on grass in Halle, a very tight match. Let's see what we encounter," Sinner concluded, emphasizing the need for rest before the challenging encounter.

“

He is a very aggressive player with a great serve. Let's see what we encounter.