Defending champion Jannik Sinner pushes through physical setbacks to defeat Holger Rune and reach quarterfinals

Jannik Sinner remains on course after defeating Holger Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the Australian Open quarterfinals. The defending champion has now recorded 11 consecutive wins in Melbourne and holds an impressive 16-1 record after winning the first set – a key factor at this stage. His only defeat in Australia after winning the first set came against Denis Shapovalov in 2021.

In the first set, Rune paid dearly for starting off at a slower pace, with Sinner securing an early break to lead 3-0 within minutes. Rune attempted to take the initiative on return but struggled to trouble Sinner.

Rune's inconsistency, particularly on his backhand, resulted in 15 unforced errors and just 8 winners. Meanwhile, Sinner maintained consistency with 8 winners, 9 unforced errors, and an impressive 75% of points won on serve.

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The second set saw Sinner maintaining his level while Rune kept pace with his serve. Midway through the set, Sinner earned the first break opportunities, but Rune managed to hold firm. In the eighth game, Rune converted his first break point, taking the set 6-3.

Sinner's weakest moments came at the start of the third set when he appeared slightly unwell. After five games, Sinner's first-serve percentage dropped below 50%. The world No. 1 saved a break point in the fifth game, moved ahead 3-2, and called a medical time-out. His blood pressure was checked, and he briefly left the court while Rune played his best tennis.

Despite Rune's early momentum, an 11-minute pause saw the Dane lose rhythm. Sinner broke serve in the eighth game and clinched the set 6-3, winning his last 12 service points in a row.

At the end of the third set, Rune took a toilet break, returning to the court aiming to regain control of the match. However, Sinner carried his momentum into the fourth set, breaking Rune in the third game. With a 3-1 lead, Sinner grew increasingly confident, closing points quickly and forcing errors from Rune, who began to show frustration.

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The defending champion secured another break in the seventh game, seemingly sealing the match. Despite Rune’s late resistance, Sinner once again demonstrated why he is the world No. 1, closing out the victory 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 after just over three hours.

Sinner advances to the quarterfinals, where he will face the winner of the match between Alex De Minaur and Alex Michelsen.

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