Jannik Sinner, a scare during practice at Wimbledon: What happened?

Jannik Sinner’s 12:00 p.m. practice, as he does every day, on the practice courts at Aorangi Park. The world No. 1 had a long rallying session today with Raffaele Ciurnelli, a young player entered in the junior tournament who will make his debut against Bulgaria’s Kisimov. It was a solid session on the court, featuring many backhand cross-court rallies, some volleys, and a final segment focused on serves. Last year, Sinner had already often chosen to train, whenever possible, with young Italian players, working with both Basile and the left-hander Jacopo Vasamì to prepare for potential left-handed opponents like Ben Shelton.

The atmosphere within the team seemed relaxed, with several lighthearted moments and a few amusing skits. There were also a few jokes directed at fitness coach Umberto Ferrara (unconfirmed rumors are circulating about a possible departure after the tournament, one year after his return to the staff) and soccer-themed banter. In particular, after physical therapist Resnicoff failed to catch the ball, Simone Vagnozzi commented, “He looks like Australia’s goalkeeper…” Cahill replied immediately, “Hey, I heard you… You j…”

Toward the end of the session, however, Sinner began rubbing his right shoulder after a few serves, pausing several times. “It bothers me when I hit the ball with my racket,” he reportedly said before receiving brief treatment from Resnicoff and then resuming training. The discomfort does not seem to be a cause for particular concern, however. Tomorrow, the world No. 1 will be aiming for a spot in the quarterfinals against Shintaro Mochizuki, the Japanese player who eliminated Rafa Jodar in the third round.