Online Reporter
Jannik Sinner, back on court nearly a month after his Wimbledon triumph, crushed Colombian Daniel Elahi Galan in his opening match at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open on Saturday.
The world No 1 got immediately back in the swing with a 6-1, 6-1 victory over the out-classed Colombian.
Sinner won the opening five games in 15 minutes as he allowed his 144th-ranked opponent, who came through qualifying, little breathing room. The victory in 59 minutes was the fastest of Sinner’s ATP career, beating his previous quickest by one minute.
The defending champion claimed his 22nd consecutive win on hardcourt, last losing the Beijing final in September to rival Carlos Alcaraz.
‘‘I didn’t know what to expect,’’ Sinner said of his return to tournament action. ‘‘I’m happy because it’s not easy to play here.
‘‘The ball is flying and you have to serve very precise if you want to go far in the tournament.
‘‘Today I was finding my spots but there is still a little room to improve. For a first match it could not have gone better.’’ After snapping up the first set Sinner broke to start the second before Galan clawed out a hold in a seven-minute game in which he fought off five break points.
But it was only a momentary reprieve. Sinner fired three aces to hold for 3-1 as he roared away again for the victory. -SuperSport
