Jannik Sinner, the two-time defending champion, displayed a dominant performance at the Australian Open, securing a swift victory over local wildcard James Duckworth with a score of 6-1, 6-4, 6-2. The Italian, currently ranked second in the world, made his intentions clear as he progressed to the third round, setting up a match against American Eliot Spizzirri.
Sinner has now extended his impressive streak against Australian players, marking his 27th consecutive win, with his last defeat to an Australian occurring back in 2021 against Duckworth in Toronto. However, any hopes of a repeat performance were quashed as Sinner delivered a flawless display from start to finish. He took control of the match early on, breaking Duckworth’s serve in the fourth game with a stunning backhand winner.
The first set was concluded in a mere 26 minutes, and while Duckworth fought back in the second set, he was unable to match Sinner’s precision and power. Sinner finished the affair with a commanding performance, completing the match without dropping a single set in his last 12 encounters.
In contrast, Stan Wawrinka fought valiantly in what he acknowledged could be his final Australian Open appearance. The three-time Grand Slam champion battled through a grueling match against Frenchman Arthur Gea, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5, 7-6(10-3). At 40 years old, Wawrinka’s resilience shone as he became the first player of his age to reach the third round of a major tournament since Ken Rosewall in 1978.
Having accepted a late wildcard for this year’s event, Wawrinka was determined to make the most of the opportunity. Following an exhausting match that lasted over four and a half hours, he expressed his gratitude toward the energetic crowd that supported him throughout the contest. “I’m exhausted,” he admitted, acknowledging the physical toll of the match but expressing his joy at still being able to compete at such a high level.
Wawrinka’s journey featured a back-and-forth struggle, overcoming a set deficit and rallying in the fourth set to force a decisive fifth. He established an early lead in the final set, showcasing a youthful spirit that defied his age. Despite Gea’s attempts to level the score, Wawrinka’s experience and tenacity shone through as he clinched the tiebreak, advancing to the third round for the first time since his quarter-final appearance in 2020.
In a heartfelt conclusion, Wawrinka reflected on his career as he prepared to compete in his 75th Grand Slam tournament, emphasizing his commitment to giving everything on the court. His determination to compete passionately continues to inspire fans and fellow players alike, adding another memorable chapter to his storied career.