AO Men’s Singles: Day 4

Fourth seed Jannik Sinner continued his stroll through the draw, posting a second straight-sets victory to reach the third round on a rainy Wednesday at the Australian Open.

The Italian who led his country to the Davis Cup trophy two months ago, hammered Dutch qualifier Jester de Jong 6-2, 6-2, 6-2.

The win marked more Dutch domination for the Italian, who defeated Botik Van De Zandschulp in the first round.

With play on outside courts unable to start until mid-afternoon due to a day of bad weather, the focus shifted to the three covered showcourts at the riverside venue.

Sinner closed out victory in one and three-quarter hours on the first of three match points against the No. 161.

“With him coming from qualifying, I had to be very careful, especially in the beginning, trying to get to know him,” Sinner said.

“At some point I played really well. I served good, returned also well.

“It was a good match today. Now let’s see what’s coming in the next round.

“For sure I can improve. I played well today, I felt good on the court. I was very calm and stable throughout the whole match.”

The contest was staged with the roof closed, which for the 22-year-old Italian was fine: “They can play the whole tournament indoors, it’s OK with me,’ he joked.

“I think we are all glad to just be playing here. Back in Europe it’s really cold right now.”

Sinner had no complaints about his game, where he lost just 10 points on serve over the course of the match, never facing a break point against an opponent playing in his first main draw aat a major..

Aussie hero Alex de Minaur performed as expected by home fans, advancing past Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-0, 6-3.

De Minaur, the new ATP number 10 had expected more of a struggle. “I was definitely going in ready for a battle, but I’ll happily take that result,” he said

.”The match was still a lot tougher than the scoreline showed. It got tricky at the end, but I’m happy to come through.

“Nothing can give you more belief than winning good matches, I think that’s what I’ve gotten this year.

“I know if I don’t bring my A game, I’ve still got plenty to show.”

The 12th-seeded Taylor Fritz got past Hugo Gaston of France with ease, winning 6-0, 6-3, 6-1.