Sinner storms into 3rd round
MELBOURNE (AFP) -- Jannik Sinner revved up his bid for a first Grand Slam title with a straight-sets cruise into the Australian Open third round on Wednesday, Jan. 17.
The 22-year-old Italian fourth seed was on a different level from Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong, racing through the match on Margaret Court Arena 6-2, 6-2, 6-2 in just 1 hour 43 minutes.
"He's a very good player, a young player and I'm sure he will play many more Grand Slam main draw matches," said Sinner of De Jong, gracious in victory.
He will next face either Argentine 26th seed Sebastian Baez or Colombia's unseeded Daniel Elahi Galan.
Sinner enjoyed a breakthrough 2023, winning his first
Masters title, in Toronto, and reaching the championship match against
Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals.
It has sparked expectations that it is only a matter of time before he wins a major.
Jabeur, Wozniacki fall
Sixth seed Ons Jabeur and former champion Caroline Wozniacki fell victim to exciting young Russians. The veteran pair were no match for Mirra Andreeva and Maria Timofeeva, who emphatically stamped their mark on the opening Grand Slam of the year, which was marred by rain on day four.
Andreeva, just 16, was in scintillating form to take down 29-year-old three-time major runner-up Jabeur 6-0, 6-2 under the closed roof on Rod Laver Arena in just 54 minutes. Timofeeva, a 20-year-old qualifier, was equally impressive against 2018 champion Wozniacki, who flew through the first set and was a break up in the second. Undeterred, Timofeeva, showing impressive power, hauled herself back into the contest and ultimately prevailed against a player 13 years her senior, winning 1-6, 6-4, 6-1.