Jannik Sinner cruises past James Duckworth to reach Australian Open third round

The Italian world number two, bidding for a third consecutive crown in Melbourne, won 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 to move comfortably into the third round.

Sinner was dominant from the back of the court throughout, asserting control early by breaking Duckworth's serve in the fourth game with a clean backhand winner.

A second break soon followed after Duckworth, now 34, handed over the game with a costly double fault. The opening set lasted just 26 minutes, underlining the defending champion's authority.

Duckworth showed greater aggression and resilience in the second set, lifting the energy inside the arena as his winners drew loud support from the evening crowd.

However, at 3-3 Sinner raised his level once more, earning a break point with a forehand winner before Duckworth faltered with an unforced error under pressure. From there, Sinner remained in control, closing out the match emphatically with an ace.

In total, Sinner struck 18 aces and has spent less than three hours on court en route to the last 32. The win marked his 27th consecutive Tour-level victory against Australian opponents, with his last defeat to an Australian coming against Duckworth in Toronto in 2021.

"Every match is difficult, so happy to be in the next round," Sinner said on court. "Very happy with my performance.

"I know how much work I've put in so the body feels good and the mind is in a good moment."

Next, Sinner will face American Eliot Spizzirri, the world number 85, who reached the third round after a gruelling five-set win over China's Wu Yibing. 

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