Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner says he is not thinking about protecting his title as he prepares for his Round of 16 encounter against Japanese qualifier Shintaro Mochizuki on Sunday.The world No. 1 believes every Grand Slam presents a fresh challenge and insists last year’s triumph at the All England Club will have no bearing on this year’s campaign.“I always say that I am not defending anything. I just try to get as close as I can. Whatever happened in the past is in the past,” Sinner said while speaking to JioStar.The Italian admitted returning to Wimbledon brings back special memories but emphasized that sentiment alone does not translate into success on court.“I am very happy to be back here at Wimbledon. I have great memories of last year, but I also know that it is very tricky,” he added.Sinner’s title defence began with a stern examination in the opening round, where he recovered from two sets down and overcame a bleeding foot after suffering a pair of falls to defeat Miomir Kecmanović in five sets.Since that dramatic escape, the Italian has steadily found his rhythm. He eased past Nuno Borges in straight sets before producing another convincing performance against Jenson Brooksby to secure his place in the second week of the Championships.Awaiting him is 23-year-old qualifier Mochizuki, who has enjoyed the best Grand Slam run of his career. Their fourth-round meeting is scheduled for Centre Court as the third match of the day, following the women’s singles contest between Aryna Sabalenka and Naomi Osaka.A victory would move Sinner into the quarter-finals, where he would face either Hubert Hurkacz or Jan-Lennard Struff. The draw has opened up following the early exit of Daniil Medvedev, while a potential semi-final against Novak Djokovic, Felix Auger-Aliassime, or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina remains a possibility.On the opposite half of the draw, Alexander Zverev, Alex de Minaur, and Taylor Fritz are among the leading contenders for a place in the final.
