Defending champion Jannik Sinner continued his title defense at Wimbledon on Friday, defeating American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 on a lively and packed No. 1 Court to reach the fourth round for the fifth consecutive year.

The world No. 1, who became the first Italian player to win a Wimbledon singles title last year, was in control for much of the two-hour, 14-minute match.

Brooksby is a crafty player and an excellent competitor. He has a unique style and a good game for grass—he’s a little like a right-handed Adrian Mannarino.

Brooksby got off to a good start, holding at love with an ace out wide. He was able to play closely with Sinner, and at 2-all he hit an incredible backhand drop shot. Two-handed, he delicately caressed the ball, taking all the pace off it and feathering it just over the net to hold for 3-2. Sinner then held at 15 with an ace out wide for 3-all. He was able to get the decisive break in the next game with a massive inside-out forehand winner.

(AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

In the second set, it was a similar scenario. They stayed on serve until 3-all when Sinner was able to break at love with a baseline overhead for 4-3. 

In the third set, Brooksby got his first break in the opening game with a beautiful backhand down-the-line return. Sinner, though, broke immediately back and then broke again at 3-all. Brooksby broke once more when Sinner served for the match, but Sinner responded by breaking again to close it out, 6-4.

The biggest difference in the match was the serve, in how often Sinner was able to get free points. The Italian struck 13 aces and won 87 percent of his first-serve points. The American hit three aces and won 64 percent of his first-serve points.

There were many long rallies, and Sinner mixed his baseline power with timely forays to the net, winning 17 of 20 net points (85 percent). He also converted six of his 13 break-point opportunities, won 45 percent of return points, and finished with 29 winners.

Brooksby, ranked No. 81, competed well from the baseline and limited his unforced errors to 21, but he struggled to put consistent pressure on Sinner’s serve, converting two of his five break-point chances.

Sinner finished with 97 total points to Brooksby’s 74, closing out the match in straight sets to improve to 2-0 against the American. Their only previous meeting came in the semifinals in Washington in 2021, also won by Sinner.

The four-time Grand Slam champion advances to the round of 16 as he continues his bid to successfully defend his Wimbledon title.

In his post-match press conference, Sinner said: “Yeah, much better match from my side. Of course, happy to be through this one. Now, of course, let’s see what's coming.

“But very tricky opponent today, so I’m very happy.”

Sinner was asked about his celebration toward the end of the match, putting his finger to his ear to get the crowd involved. 

“Yeah, was important,” Sinner said. “You know, I was serving for it, couldn’t close. Then I had couple match points, couldn’t use them. Tried to get over the finish line. The crowd helped me.

“Was important to finish. Yeah, I did it, so it was important.”