World No. 1 Jannik Sinner showcased his dominance once again, advancing to the 2025 Australian Open quarterfinals for the third time in four years. Facing an ambitious Holger Rune in the fourth round at Rod Laver Arena, Sinner delivered a composed and strategic 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in a hard-fought three hours and 13 minutes.
Rune Pushes, But Sinner Prevails
The 23-year-old Italian faced a strong challenge from the Dane, particularly in the second set and the early exchanges of the third. Rune leveled the match after a spirited second set and kept Sinner on his toes with his aggressive returns and calculated shot-making. However, Sinner, armed with his trademark resilience and powerful serves, shifted gears to secure a decisive victory.
Stats That Stood Out
- Aces: Sinner fired 14 aces, underlining his dominance on serve.
- Break Points: The Italian converted 4 of 8 opportunities, while Rune managed just 1 of 5.
- Winners vs. Errors: Sinner balanced his aggressive game with 35 winners and 35 unforced errors, capitalizing on Rune’s 50 unforced mistakes.
- Rally Length: Sinner excelled in mid-range rallies, winning 37-21 in exchanges of 5–8 shots.
Match Breakdown
Set 1: Sinner’s Early Statement
Sinner stamped his authority from the start, breaking Rune at love in the second game. With commanding service games and pinpoint accuracy, he kept Rune at bay, clinching the opener in just 34 minutes.
Set 2: Rune Strikes Back
Rune upped his intensity, earning a crucial break late in the set to edge ahead. Sinner faltered briefly with a double fault on break point, allowing the Dane to level the match.
Set 3: Turning the Tide
Despite early pressure, Sinner saved two break points with audacious play, including a spectacular forehand drive-volley winner. The turning point came at 3-4 when Rune’s errors handed Sinner a decisive break. A love hold sealed the set for the defending champion.
Set 4: Sinner’s Finishing Touch
Sinner’s dominance was evident in the fourth set, as he broke Rune twice while maintaining consistent service games. A forehand winner in the third game set the tone, and the Italian closed out the match with an ace to secure his quarterfinal spot.
What’s Next for Sinner?
With his third Australian Open quarterfinal berth, Sinner is solidifying his reign as the world’s best player. His blend of power and precision, coupled with his ability to adapt under pressure, makes him a formidable opponent. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Sinner as he chases his second Australian Open title.
