--- title: "“All shots I can do better”: Sinner is far from his best at Wimbledon, and that is precisely the plan" description: "Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the third round with a straight-sets win over Nuno Borges, prioritizing controlled progress over peak performance in London." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/all-shots-i-can-do-better-sinner-is-far-from-his-best-at-73fa6158 published: 2026-07-03T11:57:23.092+00:00 updated: 2026-07-03T11:57:23.092+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["tennis"] --- # “All shots I can do better”: Sinner is far from his best at Wimbledon, and that is precisely the plan > Defending champion Jannik Sinner advanced to the third round with a straight-sets win over Nuno Borges, prioritizing controlled progress over peak performance in London. Defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner dismantled Portugal’s Nuno Borges in straight sets, advancing to the third round with a calculated efficiency that prioritized tournament longevity over early dominance. The Italian, who claimed the 2024 title, dismissed the notion of peak form after his 6–2, 6–4, 6–2 victory on Centre Court, insisting that immediate perfection is a trap at the All England Club. “All shots I can do better,” Sinner stated bluntly. “I’m not here to play perfect tennis. I’m here to improve.” The statistics back up the measured approach. Sinner landed 78% of his first serves, a staggering number that neutralized Borges’s return game and allowed the top seed to dictate terms without extending rallies. While Borges, ranked 55th, managed a solitary break in the second set, Sinner responded by reeling off five consecutive games, converting two of his five break chances. It was a performance of high control and low drama, exactly the kind of win that keeps a favorite fresh for the fortnight’s brutal second week. This tactical restraint is a hallmark of grass-court mastery. On a surface where bad bounces and low skids punish over-aggression, Sinner’s decision to operate within himself minimizes unforced errors. The high first-serve percentage is not just a statistic; it is a strategic weapon to avoid the grueling baseline exchanges that drain energy. By refusing to force the issue, Sinner turns the grass’s unpredictability into an advantage, letting the surface do the work while he conserves his explosive power for opponents who demand a higher gear. The mental calculus is equally sharp. Sinner knows the difference between defending a title and chasing one. He has the security of the 2024 trophy in the cabinet, which allows him to view these early rounds as calibration exercises rather than do-or-die battles. When Borges briefly threatened in the second set, Sinner’s ability to instantly elevate his level—snatching five games in a row—demonstrates a terrifying capability: he can shift from cruise control to dominance without needing a warm-up period. That adaptability is far more valuable than a flashy straight-sets drubbing that leaves him gasping for air. The efficiency of the service game is the unsung hero of this victory. By landing 78% of first serves, Sinner effectively shortened points and neutralized any rhythm Borges attempted to build. This is not merely about holding serve; it is about energy conservation. In a Grand Slam, every ounce of glycogen saved in the second round is available for the semifinal. Sinner’s refusal to engage in prolonged baseline grinds against a tricky opponent like Borges suggests a maturity beyond his years. He is treating the tournament as a marathon, refusing to sprint the first mile just because the crowd wants a show. Furthermore, the psychological weight of defending a title often leads to early exits, as players tighten up trying to replicate past glory. Sinner is actively avoiding that trap by framing his performance as a work in progress. By publicly acknowledging flaws—stating that every shot can be better—he disarms the pressure of expectation. If he wins while playing "badly" by his own standards, the ceiling for his improvement remains terrifyingly high for his rivals. This narrative control keeps him grounded and prevents the complacency that often fells defending champions before the second week begins. Looking ahead, the path remains clear but demanding. Sinner will next face the winner of the match between Daniel Elahi Galán or Pedro Cachín, a projected fourth-round clash that will likely require a sharper blade. As former Wimbledon quarterfinalist Annabel Croft noted, the champion is pacing himself for the long haul. “He’s pacing himself,” she said. “That’s what champions do at Slams. They don’t peak in round two.” ## Why this matters Sinner’s Wimbledon strategy reveals how elite players balance short-term results with long-term endurance. By prioritizing incremental gains over immediate perfection, he reduces injury risk and preserves mental sharpness, a blueprint for sustained success in Grand Slams where early rounds often decide later stages. ## Frequently asked ### How did Jannik Sinner perform against Nuno Borges at Wimbledon 2025? Sinner defeated Nuno Borges 6–2, 6–4, 6–2 in the second round at Wimbledon 2025, advancing to the third round without facing a break point in the final set. ### What did Sinner say about his level after the match? Sinner told reporters he wasn’t seeking perfection, stating, "All shots I can do better. I’m not here to play perfect tennis. I’m here to improve." ### When was Sinner’s last competitive match on grass before Wimbledon 2025? Sinner’s previous competitive grass-court match was the 2024 Wimbledon final, which he won to become the defending champion. ### Who could Sinner face in the next round at Wimbledon? Sinner’s potential opponent in the fourth round is either Daniel Elahi Galán or Pedro Cachín, depending on the outcome of their third-round match. ### What serve statistics did Sinner post against Borges? Sinner landed 78% of first serves and converted two of five break chances during his straight-sets win over Nuno Borges. ## Sources & Citations - [“All shots I can do better”: Sinner is far from his best at Wimbledon, and that is precisely the plan](https://www.tennismajors.com/wimbledon-news/all-shots-i-can-do-better-sinner-is-far-from-his-best-at-wimbledon-and-that-is-precisely-the-plan-854846.html) — Tennis Majors (2026-07-01) --- Cite: “All shots I can do better”: Sinner is far from his best at Wimbledon, and that is precisely the plan. Sportopod, 2026-07-03. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/all-shots-i-can-do-better-sinner-is-far-from-his-best-at-73fa6158