Jannik Sinner says he has to stay focused after cruising into the fourth round of the Australian Open without dropping a set.
The world No.4 eased his way past Argentina’s Sebastian Baez 6-0, 6-1, 6-3, at Melbourne Park on Thursday. Sinner didn’t drop serve throughout the match as he hit 34 winners past his opponent. It is the 12th time in his career that he has won a match in straight sets on a hardcourt at a Grand Slam which is more than any other male Italian player in the Open Era.
Sinner is certainly gaining momentum but admits that he is yet to be properly tested in the tournament.
“I feel good on the court at the moment.” He said.
“I just try to stay focused, to stay calm. I enjoy every moment on the court and also off the court, I think everything is going in the right way.’
“I do feel confident, I came here after a good offseason and preparation.
“Let’s see how I handle the situation when the score is even or I’m down, how I react.”
The 22-year-old ended 2023 in fine form by finishing runner-up at the ATP Finals in Turin before helping guide his country to the Davis Cup title. He continues his surge this year with the Australian Open being the first major event where he has reached the last 16 without dropping a set since 2020.
Sinner will next play Karen Khachanov for a place in the quarter-finals. The Russian can be a tricky player to face at major events and has reached the last eight or better at all four of them. Khachanov beat Tomas Machac in his third round match.
“We love to play with the rhythm. Physically we both are good movers. He has improved a lot, I think.” Sinner said of his upcoming opponent.
“It’s for sure a tough match coming up. But this is why also I practice, to see where my level is, where I can find the right solution every time.”
Tsitsipas finding his groove
Embed from Getty ImagesAnother player gaining momentum in the men’s tournament is Stefanos Tsitsipas who beat France’s Luca Van Assche 6-3, 6-0, 6-4. The 2023 finalist has experienced a roller-coaster journey so far in the draw after having to come from behind to win his first two matches before playing Assche.
“I had a little bit more experience under my belt today and I am delighted with the win. It means a lot to me,” said Tsitsipas.
“I felt like I had a poor start in both (previous) matches and felt like I wanted something different this time. It’s not easy always having to fight back and show your best tennis in the second set.
“I wanted to go out here today and show that passion and determination from the very beginning and I’m happy that things worked out.
“I was constantly trying to push myself and exceed my own expectations. I’m happy things worked out and it went smoothly after the first set.”
Tsitsipas has now recorded 60 wins at Grand Slam tournaments so far in his career. He is yet to win a major title but has reached the final twice at the 2021 French Open and in Melbourne last year.
Next up for the Greek will be a showdown against Taylor Fritz who beat Fabian Marozsan 3-6, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2. He currently leads their head-to-head 3-1 but was taken to five sets by Fritz when they clashed at the same tournament back in 2022.
“Taylor has big weapons that he can execute. I need to defend well. I need to be there, involved, and ready to fight at any given moment.” Said Tsitsipas.
“I’ve played him before here at the Australian Open. We had a big match. These moments are some of the ones that I remember the best from this particular tournament. The intensity that I brought with me at that particular match was impressive, and I’m hoping to replicate it and give it my best shot against him.”
Sinner is playing in his 17th Grand Slam main draw and Tsitsipas is playing in his 26th.
