Defending champion Jannik Sinner overcame physical struggles and a resilient Holger Rune to secure a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory, advancing to the Australian Open quarter-finals. The intense match, played under 32°C heat on Rod Laver Arena, featured medical timeouts, equipment delays, and both players battling fatigue.
Sinner’s Determination Shines Through Adversity
Sinner, the world number one, endured a challenging match:
- Physical Challenges: Sinner struggled visibly, shaking during changeovers and requiring ice towels to cool down. He admitted:
“This morning was a very strange morning. I didn’t even warm up, trying to go on court as fit as I could.” - Key Moments: After saving a break point to go 3-2 up in the third set, Sinner called for a medical timeout and returned to break Rune’s serve for a 5-3 lead.
- Fourth Set Drama: A 21-minute pause due to a broken net anchor provided Sinner the chance to regroup, allowing him to dominate and close out the match after three hours and 13 minutes.
Sinner, on a 17-match winning streak since his loss to Carlos Alcaraz in October’s Beijing Open final, credited the crowd for their support:
“Today, the support meant so much to me. It’s 90% yours, and 10% I try to make you happy.”
Sinner’s Next Challenge
The 23-year-old Italian will face either eighth seed Alex de Minaur or American Alex Michelsen in the quarter-finals as he aims to defend his title.
Elsewhere at Melbourne Park
Sonego Reaches First Grand Slam Quarter-Final
Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego defeated American qualifier Learner Tien 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.
- Tien’s Struggles: The 19-year-old, bidding to become the youngest Melbourne quarter-finalist since 1989, was hindered by a right thigh injury.
- Sportsmanship: Sonego acknowledged Tien’s efforts:
“Today was so tough. I’m so sad that he had a problem. It’s not the right way to win, but I’m so happy to reach the quarter-finals.”
Sonego will now face 21st seed Ben Shelton, who advanced after Gael Monfils retired due to a back injury while trailing 7-6 (7-3), 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-2), 1-0.
Potential All-Italian Semi-Final
With both Sinner and Sonego advancing, there is potential for an all-Italian semi-final in Melbourne.
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