Defending champion Jannik Sinner returns to the fourth round at the Australian Open

On By Littum

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Defending champion Jannik Sinner beat 46th-ranked Marcos Giron of the United States 6-3, 6-4, 6-2. Australian Open on Saturday night and reached the fourth round at Melbourne Park for the fourth time.

Sinner extended his unbeaten run to 17 games dating back to last season. He had an eventful 2024, claiming his first two Grand Slam titles, reaching no. 1 in the ATP rankings for the first time – and went through a doping case that is still not fully resolved because the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed his exemption. .

The 23-year-old Italian’s next opponent in Australia will be either no. 13 Holger Rune or Miomir Kecmanovic.

After eliminating Giron, who was trying to reach the fourth round of a major for the first time, Sinner was critical of himself, specifically pointing to his 16-of-24 success rate on points when advancing.

“My net play percentage wasn’t really good,” Sinner said with a laugh.

“If I want to continue in this tournament, I definitely have to improve,” he added. “So hopefully in the next round I’m able to raise my level.”

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