Jannik Sinner returned to the tennis courts, securing an impressive victory in his first match of the 2024 season at the Kooyong Classic.
Diverging from the strategy of some fellow players, Sinner opted for a distinctive approach to the new season by not enrolling in any ATP tournaments in the initial two weeks leading up to the Australian Open 2024, which begins on January 14.
Despite this, the 22-year-old sought match practice ahead of the season's first Grand Slam and entered the Kooyong Classic, an exhibition event hosted in a historic tennis club in Melbourne, near the venue of the Australian major.
Facing the world no. 156, Marc Polmans from Australia, in his opening match, it was evident that the world no. 4 outclassed his opponent.
Notably, Sinner showcased remarkable proficiency in his returning game, having break points in nearly every game except one where he lost his serve.
While Sinner encountered some challenges early on, he managed to break Polmans' serve in the fifth game, taking a 3-2 lead. However, the Australian retaliated, breaking back to level the score at 3-3.
Following Polmans' sole hold without facing break points, he led 4-3, unaware that he would not secure any more games in the match.
Sinner claimed the first set 6-4, saving a couple of break points and capitalising on an opportunity in the subsequent game.
The second set unfolded as a one-sided affair, with the Italian not facing break points on his serve. In contrast, he created five break opportunities on Polmans' serve, converting three, resulting in a dominant 6-4, 6-0 victory.
Looking ahead, Sinner is likely to aim for one more match before the Australian Open, where he will enter as the fourth seed and stand as one of the leading contenders for the title.