Jannik Sinner dealt with bloody shoe during Wimbledon opener

The fall appeared to impact him for the rest of the match. At one point, cameras noted what appeared to be a spot of blood soaking through his right shoe.

Sinner downplayed the issue after the match, blaming it on an injured toenail. He said he was “fine” and even joked about his fear of getting disqualified because it ruined his all-white outfit.

“I’m good. It just seems much worse than it is,” Sinner said. “I’m actually very surprised they let me keep playing because… all white, it turned into a little red.”

Obviously, there are shades of Curt Schilling here, though Sinner obviously is not playing it up. He has had to battle through some physical issues lately, particularly during majors, so it would have been a blow for him to be knocked out for that reason here.

Sinner did need five sets to finally prevail after falling down 2-1. The reigning champion came back twice in a 4-6, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2, 6-3 win.