Taro Daniel calls for Australian Open, the path of the Italians: Sinner with Tsitsipas”>Jannik Sinner. © APA / afp / PAUL CROCK
In the first two rounds of the Australian Open in Melbourne, Jannik Sinner brilliantly solved two supposedly mandatory tasks. Now the next outsider is waiting for the 20-year-old – but extreme caution is advised against this one.
January 21, 2022
From: leo
140, 104, 120: These are the rankings of Sinner’s opponents in the first three rounds of the Australian Open. If the sextner had an easy game with Joao Sousa and Steve Johnson, the number 120 in the world, Taro Daniel, should make a lot more of a challenge for him on Saturday.
The son of a Japanese mother and a US father is in extraordinary shape. In the young season, the 28-year-old, formerly 64 in the world, played nine games – and won eight. At the Australian Open, Daniel not only rushed through the qualification without losing a set, but also through the first two rounds. He defeated the Chilean Tomas Barrios (ATP 142) 7: 6, 6: 1, 6: 1 before putting the three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray in his place 6: 4, 6: 4, 6: 4 . The Japanese convinced with aggressive basic strokes, strong serves and good mobility. Sinner noticed that – and warns of the duel in which he is the big favorite.
Jannik Sinner wants to reach the round of 16. © APA / afp / MARTIN KEEP
“He’s in the third round because he’s playing very well at the moment and feels great,” emphasized the sextner after the match against Johnson. “In qualifying he defeated three players from Italy. I’ll try to stop this run.” Sinner expects “a difficult match” and will give everything as always. In any case, if he puts on the performance he showed against Johnson, Daniel will have to wrap up warmly. If not, an exciting match should develop. This is scheduled for 7 a.m. CEST, but could also start later depending on the course of the previous games.
