Jannik Sinner shares delight after 1st round win against Marin Cilic in China Open

World No.2 Jannik Sinner was delighted after first round win against Marin Cilic in the ongoing China Open at Beijing on Wednesday. The Italian went past two-time finalist by 6-2, 6-2 to advance to the next round. 

Sinner was taking the court for the first time after his US Open final loss against Carlos Alcaraz and he was able to bring his best against the Croatian. The Italian was delighted with his performance and said he puts a lot of concentration in the first-round matches.

Sinner had 10 break points and he was able to break his opponent’s serve on four occasions. The Italian was able to save the only break point he faced against the Croatian.

“I try to put a lot of concentration into the first-round matches, because I know that many things can go wrong,” said Sinner, who has won his past 27 opening-round matches since Cincinnati in 2023. “After you usually find your rhythm, your pace, the speed of the courts much better. I try to prepare myself in the best possible way. I came here quite early in order to feel the conditions.

“I’m very happy to deliver this kind of performance today. Marin is a very tough player to play against, his peak is quite high. I managed to break him quite early in both sets, which gave me the confidence to keep going.

Sinner won 75% points on the first serve whereas Cilic struggled with his serve, putting only 45% of first serves in.

Sinner will next face Terence Atmane for the second time in as many months on Saturday.