There’s no place like home! Jannik Sinner feels unique vibes while competing at his beloved Foro Italico, hoping for more in the upcoming days. Jannik is 5-0 in the opening matches at the Rome Masters following a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Thanasi Kokkinakis in an hour and 18 minutes. Jannik is happy with his performance, outplaying the rival in the opener and battling past in the second after missing some chances. Sinner produced incredible numbers behind the initial shot, dropping three points and keeping the pressure on the other side. The home favorite grabbed 45% of the return points and turned them into three breaks from five chances. Sinner dominated with his forehand and fired 25 winners and 13 unforced errors. Kokkinakis stayed miles below that pace, hitting seven winners and 19 unforced errors and remaining competitive only in the second set. Jannik built the advantage in the shortest range up to four strokes. He destroyed his rival in the mid-range ones with five to eight strokes to bring the victory home in style.
Jannik Sinner is happy with his Rome Masters performance in the opening match.
The Italian played one of his best sets in 2023 in the opener, winning all 16 points behind the initial shot and stealing the Aussie’s serve two times. Sinner kicked off the action with a service winner and earned three break chances in game two. The Italian seized the first and built an early advantage. The young gun fired another booming serve in game three for a hold at love, taking all 12 points so far and forging the advantage after ten minutes! Kokkinakis ended his downfall with a hold at love in game four, and Sinner followed that pace in the next one for 4-1.
Jannik pushed strong on the return again in game six and grabbed a break after Thanasi’s loose forehand. Sinner served for the opener in game seven and cracked a backhand down the line winner for 6-1 in 27 minutes. The Aussie raised his level in the second set and produced three fine holds to follow the rival’s pace. Jannik held at love in game six with a service winner for 3-3 and grabbed a crucial break in the next one with a forehand crosscourt winner. Jannik held at love in game eight to cement the lead, taking 12 of the previous 14 points and moving closer to the finish line. Thanasi saved a match point on his serve in game nine and held to reduce the deficit to 5-4. Sinner served for the victory in game ten and held at love with a forehand drive-volley winner that propelled him into the third round.
“I’m happy about my level today, but it was difficult. It was a bit breezy and windy, and Thanasi served better in the second set. I did not use a few chances, but I’m happy about my serve and how I felt the ball. It’s a fantastic feeling, especially here in Rome. I’m trying to be an example for the young kids. It’s essential to spend some time with them and show them love. Rome is a special tournament for me. I only have this crowd once a year or twice if I qualify for Turin. That’s my goal, and I’m also trying to go deep here in Rome. However, I take it match after match. I feel ready to compete, and the next round will be tough,” Jannik Sinner said.