Atp Cup, Sinner’s first victory: Italy-Australia 1-0

Italy’s adventure begins in the best possible way in the ATP Cup in Sydney. The blue baptism takes place on the Ken Rosewall Arena and bears the signature of Jannik Sinner who in the opening singles of the match against the hosts of Australia beats Max Purcell 6-1 6-3.

The match

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The Australian wins the draw, chooses to answer and Sinner does not let himself be begged twice: the South Tyrolean loses the first 15 of the match but finds the first and slips 8 points in a row to go up 2-0. Purcell, on the other hand, is immediately forced to concede two break points which he cancels. On the first he is graced by Sinner who shoots into the net in an open field, on the second he is good at finding the ace. Also in the fourth game Purcell has to face a break point and once again takes out the ace in the center. But at the fourth useful chance for the blue, Purcell puts out a backhand down the line and Sinner climbs forward 3-1. Captain Santopadre applauds Sinner’s accelerations as he puts more and more pressure on his opponent. The blue runs ahead 0-40 on Purcell’s serve and then settles a second break by flying 5-1 and then closing the fraction for 6-1 in just 29 minutes. Sinner plays better and better and Purcell sinks failing to defend himself or even to offend his rival.

The second set

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The first break of the second set arrives already in the second game, then Sinner stretches up to 4-0. The Australian’s reaction of pride comes just when the match seems to be practically over and Purcell goes back down to 3-4, keeping the joke at zero and urging the audience to support him. Sinner, however, avoids complicating his life further: he misses the first match point from Purcell’s lunge, but scores the second by closing in just 64 minutes of play. Matteo Berrettini will soon be on the field against Alex De Minaur.