World No. 1 Jannik Sinner overcame a shocking first-set loss to Australian wild card Tristan Schoolkate to secure his place in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open with a commanding 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3 victory.
Schoolkate stuns in the opener
Facing the top-ranked player in the world, 23-year-old Tristan Schoolkate delivered a performance far beyond expectations in the opening set. Ranked 173rd on the ATP Tour, the Australian wild card not only avoided break points but also stunned the crowd by breaking Sinner at 5-4 to clinch the first set.
The upset-minded Schoolkate used his powerful serve and fearless approach to keep the Italian at bay, navigating two deuce games on his serve to deny Sinner any opportunity to break.
Sinner regains control
Sinner, known for his resilience, regrouped in the second set. Although Schoolkate continued to show impressive composure, the Italian finally broke through at 3-3, capitalizing on three consecutive unforced errors from the Australian. From there, Sinner used his dominant serving to close out the set 6-4 and level the match.
A dominant finish
Once Sinner found his rhythm, the momentum shifted entirely. The third set saw the World No. 1 dismantle Schoolkate’s service games, breaking him three times en route to a 6-1 victory. Schoolkate’s early fight faded as Sinner raised his level, showcasing the relentless baseline power and precision that have made him the world’s top player.
The fourth set followed a similar script, with Sinner securing an early break and holding his lead with ease. Schoolkate managed to save six break points at 3-0, but without the ability to mount a comeback, he could only delay the inevitable. Sinner wrapped up the set 6-3 to claim the match.
What’s next for Sinner?
With his second-round victory, Sinner advances to face American Marcos Giron in the third round. Giron has been in solid form, and while Sinner will be the favorite, the American’s aggressive game style could pose challenges.
Looking ahead, a potential blockbuster fourth-round clash against Holger Rune looms large, promising a showdown between two of the sport’s brightest stars.
Sinner’s takeaways
Despite the shaky start, Sinner’s ability to adapt and dominate in the later stages reaffirms why he is the World No. 1. His ability to handle the pressure of being the top seed will be crucial as he navigates a challenging draw in Melbourne.
For Schoolkate, the match was a valuable experience. Taking a set off the best player in the world on one of tennis’ biggest stages is no small feat and could serve as a launching pad for the young Australian’s career.
