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Jannik Sinner Put third-round drama behind you and ease into the quarter-finals australian open.
Two days after the two-time defending champion suffered severe cramps against Eliot Spizzirri and was saved when the Rod Laver Arena roof closed, Sinner beat compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1 6-3 7-6 (2).
Temperatures are rising again in Melbourne, with peak temperatures expected on Tuesday, but Margaret Court Arena was in the shade as Sinner and Dudley took to the court and the second seeds got off to a good start.
He had never lost to a fellow Italian on tour, extending his winning record to 18-0, and it was not until the third set that Dadri offered any substantial resistance.
The No. 22 seed relied on a strong forehand to save two match points at 5-4 and took an early lead in the tie-break, but Sinner responded strongly and scored 7 points in a row.
Sinner, who also hit a Grand Slam career-best 19 aces, said: “It’s very, very difficult. We’re very good friends off the court.
“I felt like I had a couple of break point opportunities in the third set but couldn’t capitalize on them and then the game got very, very tight. I’m happy with that.
“We worked a lot, especially on serve. We changed some moves and I definitely feel more confident. I’m happy to be back in the new season.”
Lorenzo Musetti The Italian team defeated the struggling team 6-2 7-5 6-4, and the two teams advanced to the quarterfinals Taylor Fritz and Novak DjokovicHe had a day off on Sunday after scheduled opponent Jakub Mencic withdrew due to abdominal issues.
This is Musetti’s third Grand Slam quarterfinal in the past four Grand Slam tournaments, and his ranking may rise to third after this tournament.
He had never reached the third round at a hard-court major until last year’s U.S. Open, and said of his improvement: “It’s like a mentality change.
“I wasn’t feeling well during the U.S. Open last year. After Wimbledon, I was coming back from the injury. Then I found a way out in New York and tried to be more aggressive, starting with the serve, and then I felt more confident with the surface and the conditions.”
He has won just one of 10 previous meetings with Djokovic, but the last few meetings have been close, including in Athens at the end of last season.
Musetti, meanwhile, is here despite two of his team members – including coach Simone Tatarini – leaving Australia early for personal reasons.
“Real life comes knocking sometimes,” the 23-year-old said. “It’s an amazing thing. It makes you understand life better. I feel more mature and I play better for them.”
Fritz was pessimistic about the condition of his knee after his last win over Stan Wawrinka, while he also needs treatment for an abdominal issue.