Australian Open 2025: Jannik Sinner cruises to fourth round

Melbourne: World No.1 Jannik Sinner outclassed American Marcos Giron in straight-sets to move to the fourth round and kept his title defense hopes alive at the Australian Open on Saturday.

The Italian edged past Marcos 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 under the lights inside Rod Laver Arena. However, the 23-year-old is seeking improvement in his game as he enters the second week.

Sinner offered no let up from the baseline as he asserted his dominance and improved to 2-0 in their ATP head-to-head series.

“I am very happy to be in the next round. Every match has its own difficulties. Today I felt like he was very solid from the back of the court when he served well. I still have room to improve, but every win is great, especially in these conditions. As always, thank you so much for your support, it’s amazing to play night sessions here,” Sinner said in his on-court interview.

“Today the percentage of my net game was not really good, but I try to improve, it’s part of the game. Sometimes I feel things a little bit better, sometimes worse, that’s normal. Trying to stay there mentally is the most important aspect. Hopefully, in the next round I am able to raise my level, but I’m still very happy,” he added.

After dropping a set for the first time since early October, Sinner rebounded with a commanding performance to defeat home wild card Tristan Schoolkate in the second round and secure an early service break in each set against Giron. Despite losing his serve in the final set, the Italian saved six of seven break points, according to Infosys Stats. 

The win, Sinner’s quickest of his current Australian Open campaign so far, boosts his confidence as he advances to the second week of a Grand Slam for the 15th time. A pivotal moment came when Sinner, serving for the second set, rallied from 0/30 to win four consecutive points, including two powerful forehand winners. 

Ranked No. 46 in the ATP rankings, Giron applied consistent pressure on Sinner’s serve and earned his first break to level the third set at 2-2. However, Sinner quickly regrouped, closing out the match with a strong finish. With this victory, Sinner joins Fabio Fognini and Andreas Seppi as the only Italian men to reach the fourth round in Melbourne four times. 

Sinner, a two-time Grand Slam champion, now turns his attention to defending his title. He will face 13th seed Holger Rune in the next round who beat Miomir Kecmanovic 6-7, 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Gael Monfils extended his remarkable start to his 22nd season on the ATP Tour with a thrilling 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(1), 6-4 upset over fourth seed Taylor Fritz.

The 38-year-old Frenchman, fresh off becoming the oldest man in nearly 50 years to win an ATP title in Auckland last week, fired 24 aces en route to his eighth consecutive victory.

Monfils showcased a clever mix of off-pace shots and sudden bursts of power, dazzling Fritz in key moments. He dominated the third-set tiebreak and clinched the decisive break at 4-all in the fourth set with a dipping backhand winner after luring Fritz to the net.

American Learner Tien kept the teenage revolution going at the Australian Open by reaching the last 16.

Tien, 19, took out hobbling Frenchman Corentin Moutet 7-6(10) 6-3 6-3 to continue his stunning run on his Melbourne Park debut and become the youngest man to reach the fourth round at the Australian Open since Rafa Nadal in 2005.

The American ousted fifth seed Daniil Medvedev in the early hours of Friday morning but showed no signs of wear and tear from that five-set epic as he set up a clash against Lorenzo Sonego who beat Fabian Marozsan 6-7, 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Moreover, 8th seed Alexde Minaur beat Francisco Cerundolo 5-7, 7-6, 6-3, 6-3 while Alex Michelsen beat Karen Khachanov 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to reach the fourth round. Agencies

Also Read: Two-tier Test system should be on a relegation and promotion basis, says Shan Masood

Also Watch: