Subdued Sinner outlasts Bonzi in Madrid opener

An underdone Jannik Sinner dipped into his reserves to start his Madrid Masters with a 6-7 (6), 6-1, 6-4 win as hot rival Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the rest of the spring clay season.

Sinner had a handful with French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi, finally advancing to the third round after a bye in just under two and a half hours.

News of the Alcaraz pullout from Rome and Roland Garros due to a wrist injury came mid-match.

Sinner is playing for history, trying to become the first to win five straight Masters 1000 titles. The 24-year-old Italian extended his current season win streak to 18 matches while winning his 23rd in a row at Masters tournaments dating to Paris last November. 

Sinner admitted that defeating Bondi on the high-altitude (670 metres above sea level) was difficult while he was not on his own top form.

“I struggled quite a lot here, it was tough,” the winner said. “But I knew this (would be the case) before the match

“This is a unique court and conditions. Every day is different and can make a big difference. We can improve slightly for the next round.

Sinner advanced with 10 aces and three breaks of serve from 13 chances.

“I stayed calm mentally, that’ is why I won today,” he said. “I have a day off tomorrow so there is time to improve.”

The Italian said he is trying to avoid thinking of any possible record-setting.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to play here, going one day at a time.

“Of course I know what is on the line but I don’t focus on that.”

Sinner dropped the opening set in a tiebreaker to Bonzi, missing his chance on a set point.

But the top seeded world No. 1 overcame physical difficulties and found his range, sweeping the second set as his opponent received a medical time out to start the third.

Sinner broke for 3-2 in the deciding set and finished off with a  drop shot winner.