Sinner ousts Schoolkate to reach the third round of the Australian Open
The world number 1 and defending champion is still here. Jannik Sinner, who held his own in a potentially tricky opener against Nicolas Jarry, faced Australian wild card Tristan Schoolkate, ranked 173rd in the world and winner of the first-round match against Taro Daniel.
It took the Italian a set to really get into his stride.
For the first time since his third-round match in Shanghai against Tomas Martin Etcheverry last year, Sinner conceded a set in an official match. Schoolkate allowed the Rod Laver Arena to catch fire a little.
However, the Australian didn't go the distance, and Sinner quickly set the record straight.
In the end, he reversed the trend to win in 2 hours 47 minutes (4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3) and claim his 9th consecutive victory in Melbourne and 16th in a row.
His last defeat on the ATP circuit came in the Beijing final against Alcaraz on October 2, when the Spaniard won the final set tie-break.
In the third round, Jannik Sinner will face Marcos Giron. The American eliminated Tomas Martin Etcheverry (7-5, 3-6, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4).
On court, the two-time Grand Slam winner reflected on the day's victory.
"Coming back here a year after my title is a special feeling. I had so many great moments on and off the court last season.
I hope I can repeat that performance, but there's still a long way to go. We have to take it one day at a time, step by step.
When I analyze my level today, I know I can improve. Hopefully, I'll be able to show signs of improvement in the next round, and it'll be another good tournament for me," he asserted.
