Sinner’s 18-Match Streak Continues with Quarterfinal Spot at Australian Open
Jannik Sinner continues to impress at the Australian Open, extending his winning streak to 18 matches with a dominant performance. He faced fellow Italian Luciano Darderi, achieving a straight-set victory of 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2) to secure his spot in the quarterfinals.
Sinner’s Dominance in Melbourne
The two-time defending champion’s latest victory marks his ninth consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinal appearance. Sinner had previously struggled due to extreme heat but demonstrated resilience in cooler conditions during the match against Darderi.
Despite facing some challenges in the third set, Sinner ultimately triumphed in 2 hours and 9 minutes. He had to rally back after Darderi raised his game, notably saving two match points on Darderi’s serve in the tense third set.
Match Insights
- Sinner achieved a record of 19 aces with no double faults.
- He faced a tough tiebreak but won seven consecutive points after Darderi took an early lead.
- “I felt quite good out there physically. Everything was okay today,” Sinner remarked.
Sinner’s win against Darderi not only showcases his skill but also extends his unbeaten streak against Italian players to 18 matches. “It was very difficult; we’re good friends off the court,” he said, expressing the complexity of competing against a peer.
Upcoming Challenges
In the next round, Sinner will face No. 8-seeded Ben Shelton, who recently defeated No. 12 Casper Ruud with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4. Their match is anticipated, considering Sinner’s history of winning their last eight encounters.
Shelton’s Preparation
- Shelton aims to prove himself more competitive than last year.
- He expressed confidence, stating, “I wanted to give myself another shot.”
- He has reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open three times in four years.
As Sinner gears up for this crucial match, he seeks to become the fifth man in the Open era to win three consecutive Australian Open titles. With both players determined, the upcoming quarterfinal promises exciting tennis.
