Jannik Sinner (No. 4) had no difficulties defeating Botic van de Zandschulp (No. 59) 6-4, 7-5, 6-3, starting his 2024 Australian Open campaign successfully. The 4th seed opened the Rod Laver Arena against a challenging opponent like the Dutchman, who, despite his ranking, boasts six victories over top-10 players in his career.
Sinner d. van de Zandschulp 6-4 7-5 6-3 at Australian Open Jannik gets his 1st win of 2024 He didn’t play a warm-up event this year, but he ended 2023 as the most in-form player in the world If he can find that level & stay healthy, there’s not much he can’t do 🇮🇹❤️
In the first set, Sinner took an early lead by securing a break in the first game and then saved two break opportunities against him to solidify his 2-0 advantage. The Italian applied pressure on his opponent's service games, but Van de Zandschulp used his first serve effectively to prevent a larger gap.
Sinner seized his first set point, taking the set 6-4. Sinner took the initiative in the rallies, producing 10 winners, although he was imprecise with 13 unforced errors, compared to the Dutchman's 4 winners and 10 unforced errors.
Van de Zandschulp entered the second set being untouchable with his first serve, winning 80% of the points, although the second serve was particularly vulnerable, winning only 31% of them. Sinner had a break opportunity in the first game that he didn't capitalize on, and both managed to progress through the set without conceding break points to their opponent.
With the score at 5-5, Van de Zandschulp's errors emerged, granting two break points to his opponent, ultimately costing him the set. The world No. 4 didn't hesitate, securing the second set 7-5 on his serve.
In the third set, it seemed that Sinner wouldn't lower his level as he started with three break points in the first game. The 22-year-old player failed to capitalize on his opportunities, and in the next game, he lost his service for the first time, allowing Van de Zandschulp to take a 2-0 lead for the first time in a set.
Sinner once again raised his level, claiming the next four games consecutively, thus regaining a 4-2 lead. Despite the Dutchman showcasing his best tennis, it wasn't enough to halt the World No. 4, who secured the victory with a score of 6-4, 7-5, 6-3. In the second round, he awaits the winner of the match between the Dutchman from the qualifiers, Jesper de Jong (No. 148), and the Argentine Pedro Cachin (No. 72).
