Italy’s Jannik Sinner celebrates profitable his third spherical match towards Canada’s Denis Shapovalov. PHOTO: REUTERS
MELBOURNE:
Two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner outclassed residence wildcard James Duckworth 6-1 6-4 6-2 to walk into the third spherical of the Australian Open on Thursday.
The Italian world quantity two was in no temper for an prolonged shift on a cool Rod Laver Area as he arrange a last-32 conflict with American Eliot Spizzirri.
It was Sinner’s twenty seventh successive Tour-level victory towards Australian gamers, his final defeat towards one coming towards Duckworth in Toronto in 2021.
However a repeat of that by no means regarded possible as Sinner produced an immaculate show from the again of the courtroom.
“Each match is tough, so joyful to be within the subsequent spherical,” Sinner, who has gained his final 12 matches with out dropping a set, mentioned on courtroom. “Very pleased with my efficiency.
“I understand how a lot work I’ve put in so the physique feels good and the thoughts is in a very good second.”
From the second he drilled a backhand winner into the nook to interrupt Duckworth’s serve within the fourth recreation he was in management and was gifted a second service break with a double-fault.
Sinner claimed the primary set in 26 minutes and though Duckworth supplied extra resistance within the second with some aggressive play, the Italian’s managed energy and placement was an excessive amount of for his 34-year-old opponent.
A forehand winner earned him a break level at 3-3 and Duckworth blazed wildly lengthy because the strain instructed.
Duckworth’s winners had been loudly applauded by the night crowd however the finish got here rapidly and Sinner completed it off with an ace — his 18th of the match.
Sinner has spent lower than three hours on courtroom to succeed in the third spherical and he can be heavy favorite towards Eighty fifth-ranked Spizzirri who survived a five-setter towards China’s Wu Yibing.
“I have been watching him additionally final yr just a little bit, very aggressive on the courtroom and an enormous server additionally,” Sinner mentioned.
“I do not know him as properly as a result of we’ve not performed but however I am hoping for a fantastic match.”
