Jannik Sinner continued his dominant run at the Australian Open, securing his 18th consecutive victory at the tournament by defeating Luciano Darderi in straight sets. The defending champion displayed strong form throughout the match, winning 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (2) to advance to the quarterfinals for the ninth consecutive Grand Slam event.

In a previous match, Sinner had struggled with the extreme heat and cramping but showed no signs of weakness in this encounter. Despite facing a resilient Darderi in the third set, Sinner remained composed and eventually sealed the win in a tiebreaker after missing earlier match points.

Reflecting on his performance, Sinner expressed satisfaction with his physical condition and hinted at further improvements in the upcoming rounds. He will face familiar opponent Ben Shelton in the quarterfinals, with Shelton coming off a hard-fought victory over Casper Ruud.

Sinner’s mastery over Italian opponents was once again evident as he extended his unbeaten streak against them to 18 matches. The Italian ace showcased his skills on the court, recording a personal best of 19 aces without any double faults. He highlighted his strategy of incorporating new elements into his game, such as approaching the net more frequently and adding variety to his shots.

On the other side, Shelton, who reached his third Australian Open quarterfinal, expressed his readiness to challenge Sinner and emphasized his growth in confidence and competitiveness. The American player, known for his aggressive style, is eager to make his mark in the tournament and is prepared to face the defending champion head-on.

In other matches, Iga Swiatek continued her impressive form with a convincing win, setting up a clash with Elena Rybakina in the next round. The action-packed Australian Open continues to deliver thrilling encounters as players vie for victory on the prestigious courts of Melbourne.