Jannik Sinner has continued his winning streak at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Cincinnati and reached the quarter-finals. The world number one from South Tyrol played an intense round of 16 match with Frenchman Adrian Mannarino, which he ultimately won confidently in two sets, 6:4 and 7:6 (7:4). The match was interrupted by a lengthy rain break, which affected the rhythm of both players. Despite the clear result, it was hard work for Sinner, who had to hold his own against the unconventional left-hander.
A tough fight into the quarter-finals
The match against the 37-year-old Mannarino was characterized by long rallies and tactical finesse. After Sinner won the first set, the second round was much more complicated. The South Tyrolean was unable to serve out the match with a 6:5 lead and had to take a detour via the tie-break. However, the world number one showed nerves of steel there and secured a well-deserved place in the last eight with precise shots.
Now a fearsome opponent awaits
The champion doesn't have much time to recover, as the next big challenge awaits tonight at 9:00 pm. In the quarter-finals, Sinner will face the Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime. The number 23 seed is regarded as something of a fear opponent for the Italian. Sinner has not yet been able to record a win in any of their direct duels on the ATP Tour. "He plays very well, I've never won against him," commented Sinner on the upcoming match. "It will be a difficult working day, but I hope I can show some good tennis."
