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Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2021
ATP Tennis Players, Tennis News

‘I am looking for tough matches’, says Jannik Sinner after Bautista Agut battle


Jannik Sinner reached the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships after beating world No. 11 Roberto Bautista Agut 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.

In a high-quality third round contest, the Italian fired 48 winners to 36 unforced errors, while Bautista Agut hit 28 winners and 15 unforced errors.

After saving two break points in the first set, the world No. 32 broke for 5-4 before serving the set out. Bautista Agut broke for 5-3 in the second set and held to level the match.

In the deciding set, Sinner broke to go up 4-2, but his Spanish opponent struck straight back by winning the next game. The 19-year-old sealed a fine victory with a huge, looping forehand winner – with Bautista Agut serving at 5-6, 15-40.

“He (Bautista Agut) is an incredible player, he’s very, very solid,” Sinner said in a post-match on-court interview.

“I got to know him a little bit when we played an exhibition in Berlin. Him and his coach are both very kind.

“It has been tough to have the right balance on court – not going too much, not going too slow. So, I think that was the key today.

“Honestly, I am looking for these kind of matches – tough matches. Knowing myself a little bit better match after match, trying to improve – that’s my main goal.

“Then obviously trying to win and all the rest. So, I am happy that I can play one more match tomorrow here.”

Sinner will face Aslan Karatsev in the last eight.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.