Jannik Sinner showed no mercy to Alexei Popyrin at the Internazionali d’Italia. The world number one wrapped up his second-round match with a 6-2, 6-0 scoreline in just 68 minutes, displaying a solid and flawless version of himself. Tomorrow he will face his compatriot Andrea Pellegrino, a qualifier, in an unprecedented Italian duel at the Foro Italico.
The game plan that dismantles any resistance 🎾
Sinner's match was a display of technical efficiency. His deep forehand and ability to read Popyrin's serve allowed him to break the Australian's serve five times. The key stat: Sinner won 83% of points on his first serve and committed just six unforced errors throughout the entire match. Against Pellegrino, who comes from three qualifying matches, the key will be the Italian's ability to adapt to an opponent with less rhythm on center court.
The qualifier who dreamed of this day (and Sinner of finishing quickly) 😅
Andrea Pellegrino, ranked 139th, must be pinching himself. He went from playing on secondary courts in front of a handful of spectators to facing the best tennis player on the planet on the Roman center court. The problem for him is that Sinner doesn't seem willing to give away a single game. If the first set lasts less than 30 minutes, Pellegrino will have plenty of time to think about what to have for dinner after the beating. Of course, he can then tell his grandchildren that he broke the number one's serve. Or not.