Defending champion Jannik Sinner handed back his Wimbledon trophy replica days before the tournament begins. The Italian met with All England Lawn Tennis Club chairman Debbie Jevans at the All England Club on June 24.
Sinner is preparing to defend his title at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which starts June 29. Jevans told him, “I’m sorry… Hopefully it’s only for a week,” as the player returned the trophy.
The real trophy stays at the venue and appears only at the final presentation. Sinner will open play on Centre Court at 1:30 p.m. local time on June 29, with his opponent set after the draw on June 26.
He is also scheduled to play an exhibition against Cameron Norrie on June 24 at the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic in Fulham. A red heat warning is in place, with temperatures expected to reach 33 C.
Sinner arrives after a French Open exit caused by heat and cramps. Cooler conditions of 16 to 24 C are forecast for his opening Wimbledon match.
