Sinner starts on a roll in Rome

Home fans got their money’s worth on Friday as Italian No. 1 Jannik Sinner hammered Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-1, 6-4 to begin the Rome Masters with a resounding win.

The Roman crowd showed their support of the ATP No. 8 from the German-speaking alpine north of the country which was once a part of the Austrian empire. 

The former childhood ski racer who chose the court over the slopes reached the third round at the Foro Italico after a bye as he won in 77 minutes over his Australian opponent.

“I played an efficient match today,” Sinner said as he competed for the first time since losing a Barcelona quarter-final last month.

“I’m happy with the level today, though it was breezy and windy.

“I’ve been training since last week here to get used to conditions; I felt the ball well.

“I’m happy to have finally played my first match.”

Sinner finished on his second match point and advanced with 25 winners to just seven for Kokkinakis.

The Italian was unable to close out the match on the Kokkinakis serve, with the Aussie saving a match point in the penultimate game before Sinner cracked a winner to the empty court a game later to end the contest.

He now stands a perfect 8-0 this season in opening matches and has gone to at least the quarters in seven of his starts.

“This is a very special tournament for me,” the winner said. “There are only one or two (if he qualifies for the ATP Finals in Turin this autumn) chance to play in Italy.

“I feel ready to compete.”