Third seed Jannik Sinner remains unbeaten in 2024 after setting off his campaign at the BNP Paribas Open with a 6-3, 6-0 triumph against Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in 81 minutes.
In his on-court interview, the Australian Open champion commented: “I felt like it was a bit breezy today, so it was tough to play, especially in the beginning because for me, it’s my first match here.”
“He’s a great opponent, a great player. He serves really, really big.”
The 22-year-old ferocious ball-striking was in full display from the off, adding to a notable performance on the return throughout the contest.
In the opener, when at 2-2, the World No. 99 found some breathing room, earning a break point opportunity.
However, the Aussie let it slip across a 10-minute game his opponent took, making good use of his backhand to neutralize the Adelaide-born and hold serve.
Then, the 12-time ATP titlist defense took a toll on Kokkinakis’s confidence, who started to hit double faults at crucial times.
Nonetheless, the 27-year-old attempted a late challenge, but seizing his chances with his forehand, Sinner left no room for recoveries.
In a pivotal, hard-fought eighth game, the Italian converted his first break point, moving on to wrap up proceedings 6-3 in 54 minutes.
In the second set, he demolished his adversary, breaking three times on his way to close out 6-0 in just 26 minutes, having dropped five points across the final set.
Unbeaten, the San Candido native extended his winning streak to 16 matches, finishing with 14 winners and only one unforced error.
In addition, he won 76 percent of the first serve points and 72 percent on his second serve, converting four of six break-point chances.
Moving incredibly well, he charged at the net flawlessly, winning 100 percent of his approaches.
On Sunday, Sinner will face former World No. 12 Borna Coric or 25th seed Jan-Lennard Struff.
Last season, the player mentored by Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill progressed to the semifinals at Tennis Paradise, falling to eventual champion, World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, in straight sets.