Jannik Sinner Returns with Victory at the Italian Open
The Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, number one in the world, continues his path on the professional circuit after overcoming a period of inactivity. In his return to the home tournament, the Italian Open, Sinner demonstrated his quality by defeating the Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong with a score of 6-4, 6-2.
The match, although with a promising start for Sinner, experienced a brief dip in the first set. After a dominant start that led him to a 4-1 lead, Sinner allowed De Jong to equalize the score. However, the Italian regained control with powerful strokes and a solid serve, extending his winning streak to 23 matches, since October.
“I felt that I started the match very well and then I had a big dip. I tried to understand what was happening. Fortunately, I broke his serve again at 4-4, which gave me the confidence to continue,” Sinner stated.
Jannik Sinner
This tournament marks Sinner’s return after winning his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January. The Italian Open serves as preparation for the Roland Garros, which will begin on May 25.
The support of the Italian public was fundamental, as was already seen in his previous victory against Mariano Navone. The fans present at the Foro Italico cheered Sinner with shouts of “Vai Jannik” (“Let’s go Jannik”) and chants, providing constant encouragement.
Tommy Paul, ranked number 12, also highlighted the importance of Sinner’s return to the circuit, acknowledging his impact on the sport.
In his next match, Sinner will face the Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo, who comes from reaching the semifinals of the Madrid Open.
Cerundolo defeated Sebastian Ofner and Sinner anticipates a complicated challenge, aware that he will have to raise his level of play.
During the match against De Jong, a moment of camaraderie was experienced when Sinner approached to help the Dutchman after he suffered a fall. Sinner provided him with a towel and cleaned the handle of his racket.
In other notable results, Alex De Minaur also advanced to the fourth round. In the women’s bracket, Coco Gauff defeated Emma Raducanu, while Peyton Stearns eliminated Naomi Osaka.
Jasmine Paolini, for her part, defeated Jelena Ostapenko to secure her place in the quarterfinals.
