Jannik Sinner has praised the Australian fans despite recent criticism as the Italian advanced at the Australian Open.
The world number one survived a tricky match against Australian wildcard Tristan Schoolkate but eventually prevailed 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-3.
Sinner lost his first set since October but the Italian dug deep and kept his title defence alive in Melbourne.
After the match Sinner hailed Schoolkate’s performance and said the best of five set format helps him a lot, “I felt like he was playing great tennis, especially the first set. For one set and a half he was serving much better than I was. He was playing some great tennis,” the Italian started his press conference by saying.
“I didn’t know him as a player that much. Was difficult for me. But, you know, he was producing more tennis than I was for one hour. It was tough match to get through. I’m happy how I handle the situation. Obviously I can improve for the next matches, but I’m happy that I’m through. Was a tough match.
“Yeah, it depends also how someone starts the match, no? If you manage to break him a little bit earlier, then it gives you this confidence. You play a bit more freely. But he was playing, especially in important moments in the first set, he was serving big serves, amazing volleys.
“It was a tough match to get through. I mean, these matches, they can go fast away. You never know what can happen exactly. Of course, best-of-five helps you a little bit. Taking your time, trying to work things out. But all things considered, I’m happy. Let’s see what’s coming the next round.”
Sinner will be hoping those tests make the Italian stronger as the tournament progresses as he will continue his title defence onto the third round.
Today the Italian played an Australian and there has been a lot of criticism about the crowd and how disturbing they can become.
However Sinner came to their defence and said it’s great for tennis to have a crowd like this, “Yeah, I feel like it’s great for tennis. no? I think the goal should be to make tennis as big as possible. Here the fans are very passionate,” Sinner said.
“Today they played a lot of Australian players in big courts. It’s nice to see the players who have the home crowd with them. It’s nice because it’s also right that we are in Australia, and they go behind the Australian players.
“It’s nice to see. I feel like the facilities, they are very, very big here, center court, and they have amazing second, third, fourth courts which has great capacity of people. It’s nice to see them full. Also for us players, that’s what we love, to see packed stadiums. We try to bring out our best.”
Sinner will face Marcos Giron next on Saturday.
