World No.1 Jannik Sinner overcomes early scare to advance in Australian Open
Sinner is on course to retain the Australian Open, after his victory last year.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner rallied from a surprising first-set loss to defeat Australian wild card Tristan Schoolkate 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3, securing his place in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.
The 23-year-old Schoolkate, ranked 173rd on the ATP Tour, stunned the Melbourne crowd by breaking Sinner at 5-4 to claim the opening set.
Displaying powerful serves and fearless shot-making, the Australian avoided break points and frustrated the top seed with his composure during critical moments.
The third set marked a dramatic shift in momentum. Sinner dismantled Schoolkate’s serve, breaking him three times en route to a commanding 6-1 victory. With his rhythm restored, Sinner showcased the precision and dominance that have elevated him to the sport’s pinnacle.
A Commanding Finish
The fourth set followed a similar pattern, with Sinner securing an early break and maintaining control. Schoolkate put up a fight, saving six break points at 3-0, but could not stage a comeback. Sinner closed the set 6-3, completing his victory in just over three hours.
After the match, Sinner acknowledged the challenges he faced in the opening set and praised Tristan Schoolkate for his impressive play.
“It’s always tough to play against a player I don’t know very well,” Sinner said. “I felt like he was serving really well and playing much better in the beginning than I was. With the crowd, it was an amazing atmosphere. It’s a very special place, especially for the Australians to play here with the home crowd.”
Sinner also highlighted the unpredictable nature of early-round matches.
“Every round here is very tough,” he noted. “Everyone who is in the first, second, or third round deserves to be there. Schoolkate was playing lights out for a set and a half. It was a very tough match.”
Schoolkate’s Takeaway
For Schoolkate, the match was a breakthrough performance despite the loss. Taking a set off the World No. 1 at his home Grand Slam is a significant achievement and could serve as a springboard for the young Australian’s career.