Sinner struggled early on, failing to convert a set point in the first set tie-break and facing a break point in the second set. A turning point came in the second set at 2–2, where Sinner saved a break and hit a diving forehand passing shot to seal the comeback.
"It was definitely mentally tough, I was 5/1 ahead in the tie-break in the first set. But it can happen, especially on this surface, it can go very quickly. I think "I was good mentally. I was struggling in the second set, down to 0/40. I can show some good tennis in the next round as well," Sinner said
The Australian Open champion was more comfortable, winning after two hours and 22 minutes. He hit 15 aces and saved all the breakpoints. Sinner will now face Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
“I was running a little bit from right to left and then I somehow tried to reach the ball, tried to play him at least one more extra ball. He was under pressure with the breakpoint down and somehow I made it. Then after that, I gained confidence and broke it for the first time,” said the world No. 1.
"It was definitely mentally tough, I was 5/1 ahead in the tie-break in the first set. But it can happen, especially on this surface, it can go very quickly. I think "I was good mentally. I was struggling in the second set, down to 0/40. I can show some good tennis in the next round as well," Sinner said
The Australian Open champion was more comfortable, winning after two hours and 22 minutes. He hit 15 aces and saved all the breakpoints. Sinner will now face Hungary's Fabian Marozsan in the second round.
“I was running a little bit from right to left and then I somehow tried to reach the ball, tried to play him at least one more extra ball. He was under pressure with the breakpoint down and somehow I made it. Then after that, I gained confidence and broke it for the first time,” said the world No. 1.