Jannik Sinner, the rising star of tennis and currently ranked world no. 2, showcased his extraordinary prowess in the first round of the ATP 500 event in Beijing, obliterating Marin Cilic with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory. In a match that lasted just one hour and 21 minutes, Sinner displayed a masterclass in efficient serving and aggressive play, leaving the seasoned Croatian veteran struggling to keep pace.
With an impressive first serve percentage of 77%, Sinner only dropped a mere 13 points across eight service games, effectively neutralizing any threats posed by Cilic. The Italian’s ability to defend the lone break point he faced underscored his dominance, as he consistently pressured the former US Open champion. Cilic, on the other hand, faltered under pressure, serving at a low 45% and surrendering 53% of points in his service games. He was forced to fend off ten break points, ultimately succumbing to two breaks in each set, which propelled Sinner to a swift victory.
From the very start, Sinner was in cruise control, displaying his trademark confidence and precision. He recorded 15 winners compared to Cilic’s 12, yet the disparity in unforced errors was stark, with Cilic racking up 28 mistakes that proved costly. Early in the match, Marin managed to stave off a break point in the opening game with a powerful service winner, but that was merely a momentary reprieve.
As the match progressed, Sinner’s relentless return game became evident. At 2-2 in the first set, he unleashed a deep return on his third break point, gaining the crucial advantage that allowed him to assert his dominance. He held serve at love in the sixth game and quickly extended his lead to 5-2, punctuating the set with a stunning backhand return winner.
The first set was wrapped up in just 39 minutes, as Sinner sealed it with a service winner on set point. As the second set unfolded, the Italian continued his onslaught, breaking Cilic at love after capitalizing on a forehand error from the Croat. With each game, Sinner’s confidence grew, highlighted by a spectacular forehand winner that led to another break, pushing his lead to a commanding 5-1.
Cilic, fighting to stay in the match, served to avoid elimination at 1-5, managing to save two match points in a valiant effort. However, Sinner remained unfazed, and when it came time to serve for the match at 5-2, he faced his only break point but coolly responded with an ace, showcasing his mental fortitude. He followed that up with another service winner on match point, ultimately solidifying his place in the next round.
This impressive performance not only marks a successful start for Sinner in Beijing, but it also serves as a reminder of his growing stature in the tennis world. As he continues to build momentum, fans and analysts alike are left eagerly anticipating what this young prodigy will achieve next on the global stage.
