Unshaken Jannik Sinner moves on in Rome Open after unfortunate De Jong injury

Jannik Sinner advances to the Round of 16 of the Rome Open after defeating Jesper De Jong 6-4, 6-2. The Dutchman was hampered by an injury sustained after a fall, which ultimately led to his retirement in the second set. World No. 1 Sinner was leading 3-1 in the second set – again without playing his best level – when the 24-year-old De Jong's fall caused the injury.

The 3-time Grand Slam champion secured his second consecutive victory after the suspension that kept him off the court for three months. Sinner reaches the 4th Round of a Masters 1000 for the 20th time in his career – 8th consecutive. He will seek a place in the quarterfinals of the tournament against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo.

At the start of the first set, De Jong had to withstand early pressure from his opponent, saving two break points. Sinner started strongly with his serve and gradually began to pressure his opponent in the rallies. The Italian took advantage of the next two consecutive break opportunities and moved ahead 4-1.

Everything seemed to favor the Italian, but he began to lose focus, committing several unforced errors. That's when De Jong had a good reaction, getting a break back to close the gap to 4-3 in Sinner's favor. The lack of rhythm was evident for the No. 1. He managed to get out of a 15-40 situation impeccably, but then a double fault ended up costing him a second consecutive break against him.

With the score at 4-4, De Jong seemed to be in great form to face the final part of the set, but doubts crept into his serve. The Dutchman had only 44% of his first serves in during the first set, which ended up costing him dearly. Sinner maintained his composure despite the adverse moment, broke back, and ended up taking the set 6-4 when it seemed his opponent was gaining control of the match.

It was a start where neither player showed much consistency, without too many long rallies, due to errors from both sides. Sinner secured the first break – again on his first chance – and moved ahead 3-1.

It was in the 5th game that De Jong approached the net, and Sinner played a passing shot. The Dutchman stretched to reach the ball but ended up slipping and suffering a blow to his right wrist. The 24-year-old stayed on the ground, and Sinner quickly ran to ask his opponent how he was.

After three minutes of a medical time-out, de Jong returned to the court to finish the game and hold his serve. Another medical time-out followed as De Jong still appeared to be in discomfort when serving. The final part was no longer contested, as the Dutchman failed to win another point. Sinner strung together 12 consecutive points and closed out the victory easily 6-4, 6-2.