Can Jannik Sinner Achieve His Third Consecutive Aus Open QF?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Melbourne, Jan 26 (NationPress) Jannik Sinner faced a brief performance setback but swiftly regained dominance to clinch his place in the Australian Open quarter-finals on Monday, triumphing over fellow Italian Luciano Darderi at Margaret Court Arena.
After dealing with cramps during his four-set win against American Eliot Spizzirri on Saturday, Sinner elevated his game when it mattered, overcoming Darderi with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 7-6(2). The reigning champion has now achieved an impressive streak of 18 consecutive Australian Open victories, extending his overall winning streak to 19 matches since his last loss in Shanghai last October.
In their first-ever tour-level clash, Sinner quickly established a commanding lead with his powerful serves and relentless pressure, taking the first two sets in quick succession. Darderi, however, fought back valiantly, stepping up his game in the latter part of the third set and creating four break points at 4-4, before showcasing his skills in the tie-break with a 2-0 lead.
This moment hinted at a potential shift in momentum, yet Sinner showcased his resolve. He intensified his performance at the crucial moment, winning seven consecutive points to seal the match and dispel any concerns regarding his physical condition.
Completing the match in two hours and nine minutes, Sinner recorded 46 winners, including 19 aces, underscoring a display of both power and precision. This victory also maintains his flawless record against fellow Italians at the tour level, standing at 18-0, as reported by the ATP.
As the defending champion, Sinner has now reached his fourth Australian Open quarter-final, tying with players like Grigor Dimitrov, Kei Nishikori, and Stefanos Tsitsipas for the fourth most appearances at this stage among active players. He is set to face either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud next, as he aims for his third consecutive title at the Australian Open, a feat achieved only once before by Novak Djokovic in the Open Era.
This result has propelled the four-time major champion into his fourth consecutive quarter-final in Melbourne, where he will take on American Ben Shelton or Norway’s Casper Ruud on Wednesday.