Jannik Sinner passes on red

Jannik Sinner opens the clay court season with a win in Monte Carlo, dominating in doubles with Zizou Bergs. The Italian-Belgian pair overcame Casper Ruud and Tomas Machac in two sets, 6-4 7-5 in one hour and 23 minutes. A useful test for the world number two, who is preparing for his singles debut scheduled for the next few days.

The first set is immediately addressed: after a non-flawless start on serve, Sinner grows in response and signs the decisive break already in the early stages. From there on, the match flows at a good pace, with lively exchanges but without excessive tension, typical of the beginning of the season on clay. The Italian progressively gains confidence also on serve and, although not closing the accounts immediately, manages the lead until 6-4.

In the second partial, the balance changes: Ruud and Machac start better and snatch serve, taking advantage of some errors of the opposing pair. Sinner and Bergs, however, reacted, found the counterbreak and got back into the match in a more hard-fought and uneven set, with many winners but also several dropped passes.

On 5-5 comes the turning point: Ruud gives up serve without winning points and opens the way for his opponents. Sinner goes on to serve for the match and closes without hesitation, putting the seal on a solid and useful victory to get into rhythm on the new surface.

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