Image source: REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque | Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
Jannik Sinner advanced to the Australian Open quarterfinals on Monday with a straight-sets win over fellow Italian Luciano Darderi, marking his ninth consecutive Grand Slam to reach the last eight.
The two-time defending champion had struggled in the third round, battling extreme heat and cramping in his win over No. 85 Eliot Spizzirri. Sinner only found his rhythm after the tournament invoked its extreme heat policy, allowing an eight-minute roof closure and a 10-minute cooling break between the third and fourth sets.
In cooler evening conditions against Darderi, Sinner took command early, cruising through the first two sets 6-1, 6-3. The third set saw Darderi push harder, forcing Sinner to fight off match points in the 10th game. Still, Jannik Sinner held his nerve and sealed the match 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) in two hours and nine minutes.
The tiebreaker included an unusual pause when a baby’s cry interrupted play at Margaret Court Arena. Darderi won the first two points before the pause but failed to score again, as Sinner rattled off seven straight points to close the match.
With this win, Jannik Sinner extended his unbeaten streak against fellow Italians to 18 matches. He will now face either No. 8 Ben Shelton or No. 12 Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals.
“It was very, very difficult. Third set I had some break chances and couldn’t use them. I got tight, so I’m very happy I closed it in three sets,” Sinner said.
Jannik Sinner’s performance featured 19 aces, a personal record, with no double-faults. He praised the improvements he made to his serve during the offseason and highlighted some small tactical adjustments, such as going to the net more often and mixing up his play.
A key moment came in the third set when Sinner saved a breakpoint with a low forehand drop shot and followed it up with a serve-and-volley to hold his game. “Still room to improve, but very happy with how I’ve come back. Now the serve is more stable, and I try to be more unpredictable,” he said.
Jannik Sinner’s blend of resilience, improved serving, and tactical tweaks kept him on track at Melbourne Park and cemented his place among the tournament’s top contenders.
FAQ:
Who did Jannik Sinner defeat to reach the Australian Open quarterfinals?
Jannik Sinner defeated fellow Italian Luciano Darderi in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2).
How many consecutive Grand Slams has Sinner reached the quarterfinals?
This win marks his ninth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance.
What challenges did Sinner face during his earlier rounds?
Sinner struggled with extreme heat and cramping in his third-round match against Eliot Spizzirri.
How did the Australian Open heat rules help Sinner?
The extreme heat policy allowed an eight-minute roof closure and a 10-minute cooling break, which helped Sinner recover and perform better.
How did Sinner perform against Darderi in the third set?
Darderi increased his tempo and forced Sinner to save match points, but Sinner ultimately won the set in a tiebreak, 7-6 (7-2).
How long did the match last?
The match lasted 2 hours and 9 minutes.
What unusual interruption occurred during the tiebreak?
A baby crying in the crowd caused a brief pause before Darderi served, giving Sinner a chance to regroup.
What notable stats did Sinner achieve?
Sinner hit 19 aces, a personal record, and did not commit any double faults.
Did Sinner make any tactical adjustments in the match?
Yes, he focused on serve-and-volley plays, going to the net more often, and mixing up his shots to be unpredictable.
What is Sinner’s record against other Italian players?
Jannik Sinner extended his unbeaten streak against fellow Italians to 18 matches.
Who will Sinner face in the quarterfinals?
He will play either No. 8 Ben Shelton or No. 12 Casper Ruud.
How did Sinner describe the match?
Sinner said it was “very, very difficult” and he was happy to close it in three sets after struggling in the third set.
How did Sinner improve his serve this season?
He worked in the offseason to stabilize his serve, leading to more aces and fewer errors.
What moments showed Sinner’s resilience in the match?
A key moment was saving a breakpoint in the third set with a low forehand drop shot, followed by a successful serve-and-volley to hold the game.
What are Sinner’s goals moving forward in the tournament?
He aims to continue his Grand Slam streak and improve his game with more net play and tactical unpredictability.
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