Sinner storms to victory in his IW opener

Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner stayed undefeated this season as he hammered Thanasi Kokkinakis 6-3, 6-0 to start his run at the Indian Wells Masters with a runaway victory.

The Italian ranked third in the world and coached by Adelaide master strategist Darren Cahill, needed just 80 minutes to move to the third round after a bye, wrapping up victory with 21 winners and a mere seven unforced errors.

The 22-year-old has won all 13 matches he has played this season and boasts trophies from both Melbourne and Rotterdam so far in 2024.

He has also won his last 15 against Australians and moved to 4-0 against the 99th-ranked Kokkinakis.

Third seed Sinner broke away in the seventh game of the match and swept the final 10 to post his win.

He has won his last 15 meetings with Aussie opponents, last losing to one three years ago in Toronto.

“We both started off a little bit tight, it was a little bit breezy,” Sinner said. “But  when I broke him for the first time I felt immediately much better. 

“I’m obviously happy for the win.”

Sinner is careful to keep well rounded and is making the trip to the Californian desert with his father-chef, with the player’s team staying in a house not far from the Tennis Garden.

“I’m not unbeatable, just well-prepared,” Sinner said of his recent success. “I worked really hard to be in this position.

“You dream of winning a Grand Slam.

“It’s everyone’s dream, but you travel here, the conditions are different. You have to find a way somehow.”

Alex de Minaur restored some Australian dignity as he rolled over Japan’s Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-2; De Minaur was the losing finalist last month to Sinner in Rotterdam.

Main photo:- Jannik Sinner winning at the Tennis Garden – by ATPTour.com