By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday February, 2024
In Rotterdam, Top-seeded Jannik Sinner cruised past Botic Van de Zandschulp in his first match since winning the Australian Open.
Photo Source: Getty
Jannik Sinner opened his bid for a 12th career title on Wednesday at Rotterdam, defeating Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp, 6-3, 6-3 to set a round of 16 clash with Gael Monfils.
It was a stellar start for the fourth-ranked Italian, playing his first competitive match since he raised his maiden major trophy and become the first Italian man to win a Grand Slam title in 48 years at the Australian Open in January.
Sinner can climb to a career-high ranking of No.3 if he wins the title this week, but he’ll have to deal with a Rotterdam legend to reach the quarterfinals.
Two-time champion Gael Monfils stretched his ABN Amro Open winning streak to 11 matches with a straight-sets win over Denis Shapovalov on Wednesday.
"Gael is a very dangerous opponent. It doesn't matter where you play him. He'll be a fan favourite for sure, but it's part of the game and you have to accept it," Sinner said. "I saw some of his first-round match and he played really, really well."
Sinner was no slouch himself.
The 22-year-old dropped just ten points on serve, saved all three break points he faced and converted three of his eight break points. The Italian has now won 25 of his last 27 matches on tour, as he stretches his personal winning streak to 11 (8-0 in 2024).
Sinner rallied from an 0-40 hole in the first game of the second set and was untroubled from that point on as he rode to victory in one hour and 26 minutes.