MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Jannik SINNER starts his campaign with an impressive victory against Botic VAN DE ZANDSCHULP

Jannik Sinner (No. 4) had no difficulties defeating Botic van de Zandschulp (No. 59) 6-4, 7-5, 6-3, starting his 2024 Australian Open campaign successfully. The 4th seed opened the Rod Laver Arena against a challenging opponent like the Dutchman, who, despite his ranking, boasts six victories over top-10 players in his career.

In the first set, Sinner took an early lead by securing a break in the first game and then saved two break opportunities against him to solidify his 2-0 advantage. The Italian applied pressure on his opponent's service games, but Van de Zandschulp used his first serve effectively to prevent a larger gap.

Sinner seized his first set point, taking the set 6-4. Sinner took the initiative in the rallies, producing 10 winners, although he was imprecise with 13 unforced errors, compared to the Dutchman's 4 winners and 10 unforced errors.

Van de Zandschulp entered the second set being untouchable with his first serve, winning 80% of the points, although the second serve was particularly vulnerable, winning only 31% of them. Sinner had a break opportunity in the first game that he didn't capitalize on, and both managed to progress through the set without conceding break points to their opponent.

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With the score at 5-5, Van de Zandschulp's errors emerged, granting two break points to his opponent, ultimately costing him the set. The world No. 4 didn't hesitate, securing the second set 7-5 on his serve.

In the third set, it seemed that Sinner wouldn't lower his level as he started with three break points in the first game. The 22-year-old player failed to capitalize on his opportunities, and in the next game, he lost his service for the first time, allowing Van de Zandschulp to take a 2-0 lead for the first time in a set.

Sinner once again raised his level, claiming the next four games consecutively, thus regaining a 4-2 lead. Despite the Dutchman showcasing his best tennis, it wasn't enough to halt the World No. 4, who secured the victory with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. In the second round, he awaits the winner of the match between the Dutchman from the qualifiers, Jesper de Jong (No. 148), and the Argentine Pedro Cachin (No. 72).

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