Italian star Jannik Sinner edged Portugal’s Joao Sousa 6-4 7-5 6-1 to advance to the second round at the Australian Open on Kia Arena in Melbourne Park.
Sinner earned his first break in the sixth game of the opening set with a backhand down the line winner. Sousa pulled back on serve in the ninth game, as Sinner was serving for the first set at 5-3. The five-time ATP Tour titlist earned his second break in the tenth game to close out the first set 6-4.
Sinner went up an early break to take a 2-0 lead, but Sousa broke straight back in the third game after four consecutive unforced errors from Sinner. The Italian 20-year star sealed the second set with his second break in the 12th game.
The 2019 Next Gen ATP Finals champion broke twice in a row in the fourth and sixth games to cruise through to a 6-1 win the third set.
Sinner was not entirely happy with his match despite the straight-set win.
Sinner hit 31 winners to 31 unforced errors.
“Of course it was not easy for a first round, especially against a player who has played three matches before. Today was also a little bit windy. I tried to get used to the conditions and everything. I think it was a good first round”, said Sinner.
Sinner ha improved his seasonal record to 4-0 after his three ATP Cup wins. He will face Steve Johnson in the second round. Sinner leads 2-0 in his previous two head-to-head matches in Rome 2019 and Washington 2021. In their first head-to-head match in Rome Sinner rallied from 2-5 down in the third set and saved a match point to beat Johnson 1-6 6-1 7-5.
Sinner is aiming to reach the Australian Open third round for the first time in three attempts.