Sinner fails to shine as he qualifies for the last 16 in Madrid
Jannick Sinner is as unstoppable as ever this season. Despite an average match (20 winners, 12 unforced errors, 3 service games lost), Sinner came through. Facing Pavel Kotov on Monday evening, the Italian, who had suffered a hip injury, held his nerve to win in two sets (6-2, 7-5 in 1h38).
Hampered by his opponent's dry shots, the world number 2 was almost pushed into a perilous final act (saving a set point at 5-3 in the 2nd set). With a sore hip and visibly tired, Sinner suffered several major setbacks in this match. That said, he benefits from such a margin over this type of player that he still managed to come through (winning the last 4 games of the match).
In the next round, he will face Karen Khachanov, who defeated Flavio Cobolli (7-5, 6-4). Given his physical condition, this match could be a first test for the Italian. Indeed, Khachanov, confident on ochre (he defeated Medvedev in Monte-Carlo), is always a tough nut to crack. Faced with a player as powerful as Khachanov, the winner of the last Australian Open will need to put in a much better performance if he is to reach the quarter-finals.
That is, if Sinner is on court this Tuesday. I had a better feeling with the balls than in the previous round, but it was still complicated. I've had a few problems with my hip recently. It's not serious, but some days, like today, I feel the pain more than others. Fortunately, I've got a great team with me. We'll see what's best for my body afterwards. (comments relayed by L'Equipe).
Madrid 
