Shelton Reacts to Fans’ Novak Chants; U.S. Women, Italian Men Advance to Quarters

Jannik Sinner showcased his resilience by defeating Italian compatriot Luciano Darderi, advancing to the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. He secured the victory with a score of 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 (7-2) at Margaret Court Arena.

Match Details and Highlights

The match took place under heightened expectations, especially after Sinner’s previous encounter that ended with dramatic cramping. With evening temperatures reaching 33 degrees Celsius (91°F), he demonstrated remarkable endurance against Darderi, who was playing in his first Grand Slam Round of 16.

• Match Duration: 2 hours and 9 minutes
• First Set: Sinner raced to a 5-0 lead before Darderi held serve.
• Key Winning Moment: Sinner completed the first set in just 27 minutes with a powerful forehand.

Darderi’s Struggles

Darderi struggled early in the match, failing to maintain composure. He faced a setback in the third game, where he expressed frustration by smashing his racket. Despite these issues, he managed to hold serve intermittently but ultimately lost the second set with critical double-faults.

Comeback Attempts

In the third set, Darderi fought back, challenging Sinner’s forehand and making it a competitive battle. He faced four break points while the score was tied at 4-4 but could not convert. Sinner maintained his composure, pushing through to a tie-break.

• Final Set Tie-Break Score: Sinner 7-2 Darderi

This victory marks Sinner’s fourth career quarter-final appearance at the Australian Open. The defending champion remains focused and determined as he progresses deeper into the tournament.

Conclusion

As fans continue to rally behind Sinner, their chants of support are a testament to his growing prominence in tennis. The quarter-finals promise to be an exciting stage for this talented player.