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.
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).
