World number two Jannik Sinner survived a stiff test from Brazil’s rising talent Joao Fonseca to reach the quarter-finals of the Indian Wells Open on Tuesday, prevailing 7-6(6) 7-6(4) in a high-quality contest between the two players.
Playing their first match against each other, the 24-year-old Italian held his nerve in two tight tiebreaks against the 19-year-old Fonseca in front of a packed evening crowd, with the clash offering a glimpse of what could develop into an intriguing rivalry on the ATP Tour.
The victory also saw Sinner reach the quarter-finals in 11 of the 12 ATP Masters 1000 tournaments he has played since the start of 2024. It marked his 97th Masters 1000 match win, taking him past fellow Italian Fabio Fognini for the most victories by an Italian player at that level.
Sinner showed strong composure in the opening-set tiebreak, saving three set points before turning the momentum his way. Although he later missed a chance to serve out the match after leading 5-2 in the second set, the Italian produced his best tennis again in the decisive moments of the tiebreak to seal the win.
“Joao is an incredible player, incredible talent, very powerful from both sides. He was serving very well,” Sinner said after the close win. “I felt like trying to be as aggressive as possible was the key. I dropped a bit of intensity at the end of the second set but he played incredible tennis out there. The atmosphere has been amazing, so I’m very happy about today’s match.”
The opening set was tightly contested as both players struggled to convert the few break opportunities that came their way. Fonseca looked set to take control of the set when he raced to a 5-2 lead in the tiebreak with a series of aggressive winners.
However, Sinner responded with a crucial mini-break using a delicate drop-volley and went on to claim the set after winning five consecutive points.
Sinner appeared on course for a more comfortable finish in the second set after breaking for a 4-2 lead. Fonseca, however, mounted a strong fightback, breaking the Italian to love when Sinner served for the match at 5-3 and winning 12 of the next 14 points to force another tiebreak.
Sinner regained control at the key moment, taking the final four points of the breaker and sealing the match with a powerful forehand return.
Sinner will next face American Learner Tien in the quarter-finals after the 20-year-old earlier saved two match points to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina and reach the last eight.
-IANS
