Sinner coasts to opening Rome win

Jannik Sinner began his quest for an unprecedented fifth straight title at a Masters 1000 tournament with a runaway 6-3, 6-4 start over Stefan Ofner on Saturday in Rome.

The second-round clash between the German-speaking Italian world No. 1 from  the former Austrian territory of Alto Adige and an actual Austrian was played in front of a packed-out Campo Centrale with local fans in full voice.

The final three games of the march were twice interrupted by medical emergencies in the stands, resulting in around 20 or more cumulative minutes of delay. 

“It’s an amazing feeling,” Sinner said. “In the first matches, the most important thing is trying not to lose.

“The level changes day by day. This has always been a special tournament for me.

“Being Italian, you reflect on the year a little bit. I’m happy to be here. Every situation, every week is different I’m trying to get a good match rhythm again.”

Sinner has lifted four straight Masters titles – Paris, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo – and could become the first man to ever win five on the trot. His current Masters win streak was extended to 29 straight.

A title next weekend at the Foro Italico would also complete his career matched set of all nine Masters 1000 titles.

Ofner began with a love game and gave Sinner a challenge but eventually took the loss after his initial flurry of form.

Sinner claimed the opener in 36 minutes and began the second with a break of the 82nd-ranked player who turns 30 on Tuesday.

The Italian, who lost the Rome final 2 months ago to Carlos Alcaraz, finished off the crowd-pleasing win as Ofner could not handle a forehand winner deep into the corner after 91 minutes.   

The Italian top seed won his 24th straight ATP match of the season as he advanced while denying Ofner a first win over a top 10 player after a dozen previous losses to the elite.

Main photo:- Jannik sinner won Miami Open in April – by ISF Ltd