Jannik Sinner roars back to move into Australian Open third round

World number one and reigning champion Jannik Sinner demonstrated resilience by advancing to the Australian Open third round in Melbourne on Thursday.

Taylor Fritz delivered a commanding performance in his quest for his first major championship, whilst promising young talent Joao Fonseca narrowly lost in a gripping five-set contest.

Daniil Medvedev, who finished runner-up to Sinner in Melbourne last year, is scheduled to face American teenager Learner Tien, 19.


Sinner's 14-match streak of not dropping a set ended when Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate claimed the opening set. However, the Italian regained his composure to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 victory against the world number 173 at Rod Laver Arena under cool, windy conditions.

This marked Sinner's 16th consecutive win, sending a strong message to his next opponent, Marcos Giron.

"It's always tough to play against someone I don't know very well. He was playing much better than I was at the beginning," said the 23-year-old Italian, who also claimed the US Open last year.

"I have to be very happy with my performance and never take things for granted. Very glad to be in the next round.

"I can improve, yes, but I'll take it."


Fourth-seeded Fritz secured his place in the third round against Gael Monfils with an impressive display of powerful tennis, having lost merely eight games in the tournament thus far.

The American dominated on Margaret Court Arena, defeating Chilean qualifier Cristian Garin 6-2, 6-1, 6-0 in just 82 minutes.

Fritz, who reached last year's US Open final, has spent just over three hours on court and maintains a perfect service record.

Despite high praise from Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, with the latter noting similarities to himself, the talented Fonseca fell short. After his remarkable upset of ninth seed Andrey Rublev, the Brazilian teenager succumbed to Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-7 (6/8), 6-3, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

Sonego will next face Hungary's Fabian Marozsan, who eliminated 17th seed Frances Tiafoe in five sets.

Australian favourite Alex de Minaur efficiently dispatched American Tristan Boyer in straight sets, while 13th seed Holger Rune prevailed over Matteo Berrettini in four sets.