Jannik Sinner has begun his quest for a second straight Grand Slam title with a first round victory at the French Open on Monday.
The world No.2 battled his way to a 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, win over Chris Eubanks in what was their second Tour-level meeting. Sinner’s latest triumph extends his almost perfect start to the season with him winning 29 out of 31 matches contested. Against Eubanks, who has been ranked as high as 29th in the world, he hit 33 winners against 27 unforced errors and saved nine out of 10 break points faced.
“I’m just happy to be back on court,” said Sinner.
“This is a very special tournament for me. Here was the first time where I reached the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam. I have some great memories.
“I’m just trying to build (on his form) every day and I’m happy with this performance.”
Playing in his first match since pulling out of the Madrid Open due to a hip injury, the second seed began his Paris campaign with a testing opening set against Wimbledon quarter-finalist Eubanks. A player who has struggled in recent months with only four Tour-level wins to his name so far this season. Sinner raced out to a 4-1 lead before getting broken for the first time. Despite the blip, he sealed the opener in just under 40 minutes.
Continuing to tighten his grip on proceedings, it wasn’t long before his rival voiced his frustration after being heard saying to his coach early in the second frame that ‘he has no rhythm on his serve.’ Meanwhile, Sinner stuck to his game plan and showed no signs of any discomfort in his hip. Although there were occasional moments where the Italian hit some below-par shots before swiftly picking himself up again. Something that was best illustrated in the final game of the second set where he saved off a trio of break points.
The biggest scare for Sinner was his right leg which he was seen holding and moving tentatively towards the closing stages. Nevertheless, he managed to shake off the issue to claim his 12th main draw win in Paris after more than two hours of play.
“The hip is good, I’m very happy.” He replied when asked about his current fitness. “My team and I were working very hard to be back on court as soon as possible. Without my team, this wouldn’t be possible.
“For sure the general shape is not one hundred percent yet.
“I’m happy about what I have achieved (so far in his career) but our (Sinner’s team) goal is to improve every day.”
Awaiting him in the second round will be home favourite Richard Gasquet, who produced an impressive straight-sets win over Borna Coric in front of a highly animated home crowd. It will be their third meeting on the Tour which is likely to take place on the premier Philippe Chatrier court later this week.
“To play against Sinner is exceptional,” said Gasquet.
“So I’ll try and make the most of it and enjoy this great opportunity that I’m given because I’m on the central court. I’ll be on the central court, and this player is amazing.”
Sinner, who turns 23 in August, is on the verge of becoming the first Italian man to claim the ATP No.1 ranking. He currently leads the live standings with rival Novak Djokovic required to reach at least the semi-final stage in Paris to have a chance of maintaining his position. Should he reach the final, the top position will be his regardless of what happens.
