World No. 2 Jannik Sinner defeated Canadian Felix Auger‑Aliassime in a thrilling exhibition at Melbourne Park, winning 6‑4, 4‑6, 10‑4 in just under two hours. The victory gave Sinner a confidence boost ahead of his Australian Open debut, while Auger‑Aliassime gained valuable insight into his game under pressure.
Match Overview
Sinner opened the first set strong, breaking early and holding serve to claim it 6‑4. Auger‑Aliassime answered in the second set, breaking at 4‑4 and serving out the set 6‑4. The decisive championship tie‑break saw Sinner dominate with powerful groundstrokes, closing it 10‑4.
Key Moments
- First‑Set Break: Sinner broke Auger‑Aliassime’s serve early, setting the tone.
- Second‑Set Turnaround: The Canadian saved a 0‑40 break point, then double‑faulted, allowing Sinner to regain momentum.
- Championship Tie‑Break: Sinner’s heavy topspin forehands forced errors, leading to a 10‑4 finish.
Implications for the Australian Open
Sinner’s win reinforces his status as a top contender for the 2026 Australian Open title. Demonstrating composure in a high‑pressure tie‑break suggests he can handle five‑set battles later in the tournament. Auger‑Aliassime’s loss highlights areas for improvement, particularly serve consistency and break‑point conversion, but his resilience remains a positive sign.
What to Expect from Sinner
Sinner is likely to bring the same aggressive, high‑tempo style into his first‑round match. His efficient movement and ability to close tight tie‑breaks could carry him deep into the draw, potentially reaching the quarter‑finals if he maintains this level of intensity.
What to Expect from Auger‑Aliassime
Auger‑Aliassime will aim to sharpen his serve and reduce unforced errors. If he translates the aggression shown in the exhibition into consistent baseline play, he could pose a significant challenge to higher‑seeded opponents in the early rounds.