Jannik Sinner continued his Australian Open title defence by defeating compatriot Luciano Darderi 6-1, 6-3, 7-6 to book his place in the quarter-finals, extending his winning streak in Melbourne to 18 consecutive matches and reaching his ninth straight Grand Slam quarter-final overall.
After escaping physical trouble in the previous round, the world No. 2 looked far more settled in the early stages, saving two break points in the opening game before taking control with aggressive baseline play. The opening two sets passed quickly, with Darderi playing in the fourth round of a Grand Slam for the first time.
The match shifted late in the third set when Darderi earned four break points, saved two match points, and forced a tie-break, where he led 2-0. Play was interrupted by a crying baby in the crowd, after which Sinner won seven points in a row to seal the match in just over two hours.
Sinner’s serve proved decisive as he struck 19 aces — a personal best in a Grand Slam match. He said: “We put a lot of work especially with the serve… I feel a little bit more confident.”
Reflecting on the tense finish, Sinner added: “It was very difficult… I’m very happy I closed it in three sets.”
Former British No. 1 Tim Henman said Sinner would be pleased after his earlier physical struggles, noting that “his opposition will get tougher and tougher from now on.”
Sinner will next face either Ben Shelton or Casper Ruud for a place in the semi-finals.
Elsewhere, Lorenzo Musetti reached the quarter-finals by defeating Taylor Fritz and will play Novak Djokovic, who advanced via walkover after Jakub Mensik withdrew injured.
In the women’s draw, Jessica Pegula ended the title defence of Madison Keys to set up a quarter-final with Amanda Anisimova, while world No. 1 Iga Swiatek moved smoothly into the last eight.
