Aus Open: Jannik Sinner survives early scare to begin title defence

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner emerged victorious 7-6(2), 7-6(5), 6-1 against Chile's Nicolas Jarry at Rod Laver Arena to book his place in the second round of the Australian Open on Monday.

- 

The Italian, back at the site of his maiden Grand Slam triumph, admitted the match could have gone either way in the early stages. "I think today was a very close one because the first sets, they can go both ways," Sinner said. "In the third set, when I broke him the first time, that gave me a little bit of room to breathe. He is an incredible player, huge potential, so I'm happy how I handled the very tough situation in the first couple of sets and happy to be in the next round."

Jarry, ranked No. 36 in the ATP Rankings, was a formidable first-round opponent. Buoyed by a lively contingent of Chilean supporters, he pressed Sinner early, generating two break points in the opening set.

However, Sinner's composure in high-pressure moments defined the match. He dominated the first-set tie-break 7-2 with precise and controlled play, quelling Jarry's aggressive shot-making.

The second set followed a similar script. Jarry remained a threat, dictating play with 40 winners throughout the match, but Sinner's consistency and mental fortitude shone. Despite missing two set points on serve in the second-set tie-break, Sinner held his nerve to claim the set, baiting an error from Jarry with a steady return game to clinch the tie-break 7-5.

With the momentum firmly on his side, Sinner elevated his game in the third set. A break in the opening game set the tone, and he quickly raced to a 2-0 lead. From there, he was untouchable, converting his fourth break point of the match to leave Jarry with no route back. Sinner closed out the match in style, completing the set 6-1 and advancing to the second round.