World number one Jannik Sinner takes down lucky loser Jesper de Jong in straight sets to progress into the round of 16 in his sixth appearance at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Monday in Rome.
Top seed Jannik Sinner extended his winning streak to 23 matches by defeating Dutch player Jesper de Jong 6-4, 6-2 in one hour and 33 minutes to secure his spot in the round of 16 for the fourth time at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia on Monday.
Assessing his performance, the world number one outlined: “It was a completely different match from the first one, different conditions. I felt like I started the match very well; then I had a drop, and he played a bit better. I tried to understand what was going on. Fortunately, I broke at 4-4 again, which gave me the confidence to continue.
“The second set went how it went. He injured himself. He is an amazing player and more of an amazing person. I wish him all the best and hope it is nothing too serious.”
Next, the player coached by Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill will meet 17th seed Francisco Cerundolo, who knocked out Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4, continuing his run of form.
Competing in his first tournament since last January, the home favorite hit the court to face off against the Dutchman in front of a packed Campo Centrale.
Throughout his second match on tour since returning to action after three months due to ineligibility, Sinner continued to adjust his game, a natural path for a player who is seeking his best level of tennis in the lead-up to Roland-Garros.
The two-time Australian Open champion made a solid start to the opener, converting the first break in the third game and holding to take a 2-1 lead.
Displaying his trademark ball striking, wise off the backhand, the Italian marched to earn a double break, extending his advantage to 4-1, showcasing a solid performance.
From that moment on, the set could have turned into a one-sided affair, however, the 23-year-old notably lost consistency and intensity.
The Dutch player capitalized on his chances, damaging his opponent with a serve and volley strategy to erase his deficit as he broke twice to split the score four games apiece.
Nonetheless, Sinner reacted fast, breaking straight back with his forehand forcing shot to inch ahead 5-4.
Then, he served out for the opening set 6-4 in 50 minutes, ending his adversary’s late challenge.
De Jong, playing against a No. 1 player for the first time, picked up where he left off, varying his shots while improving his court coverage, finding breathing room with his sharp forehand to hold his ground and grab the early lead.
But a few errors would cost the world No. 93 the third game, as the San Candido native rallied from 15-40 down to convert a break of serve, coming out on top 2-1.
Unbothered behind his serve, the 19-time ATP titlist held at love and extended his lead.
While approaching the net on match point in the fourth game, the 24-year-old, playing a third round at the Masters 1000 level for the first time, slipped on the red clay, injuring his right wrist.
After being examined by the physio, he hit back to the court to close the fifth game in his favor despite showing signs of pain.
Sinner took control of the match, breaking in the seventh game before wrapping up the set 6-2 and the match, progressing to the round of 16 on home soil.
The Italian hit 21 winners against 16 unforced errors compared to his rival’s 16 and 25, respectively.
Also, the three-time Grand Slam winner converted five of seven break points and won 64 percent of the points on his first serve. And at the net, he won 10 of his 12 approaches.
Cerundolo and Sinner are tied in their series; the former won their latest encounter in 2023, staged on the Roman clay surface.
