Jannik Sinner, the reigning Australian Open champion, faced a tough challenge from Tallon Griekspoor at the Miami Open on Sunday. After a hard-fought first set, Sinner rallied to secure a 5-7, 7-5, 6-1 victory, advancing to the round of 16.
Sinner’s path to victory was not without its obstacles. Griekspoor, ranked 54th in the world, saved three break points in the fourth game of the first set and broke Sinner’s serve in the seventh game. The Dutchman also saved a set point in the second set before Sinner finally broke through.
After the rain delay, Sinner’s aggression paid off. He won eight of the final nine games, including the last five in a row. Sinner’s first serve was a key factor in his success, winning 47 of 54 points.
“Mentally I tried to stay really strong,” Sinner said after the match. “I was in a tough situation today. After the rain, I tried to come back a little bit more aggressive.”
Sinner’s victory was not the only Italian success on Sunday. Matteo Arnaldi, ranked 117th in the world, upset Denis Shapovalov, the 12th seed, 6-3, 7-6 (7). Arnaldi saved a set point in the second-set tiebreak to secure the win.
Lorenzo Musetti, the 16th seed, also advanced to the round of 16 with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Roman Safiullin. Musetti will face Ben Shelton, the 18-year-old American who defeated Martin Landaluce, 6-3, 6-4.
