Jannik Sinner progressed to the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-finals after defeating Thomas Machac 6-1 6-7 (3) 6-3. This marks Sinner’s fourth victory in four meetings against Machac. Sinner’s run of 37 consecutive sets won in the Masters 1000 series came to an end. He will now face Auger-Aliassime.
Sinner’s Strong Start
Sinner started strongly, putting pressure on Machac. Machac’s 40-0 lead quickly turned into a break point for Sinner. Sinner capitalised with a forehand, forcing Machac to err on the backhand. Machac struggled, with two double faults and a forehand error in the third game, handing Sinner another break.
Sinner maintained focus, capitalising on Machac’s errors. Machac gifted 18 unforced errors in the set. Sinner closed out the first set 6-1 in 26 minutes.
Machac Battles Back
Sinner lost only three points on his first serve until, unexpectedly at 2-2, he suffered a lapse. Sinner, leading 30-15, committed a double fault followed by backhand and forehand errors. This gave Machac a break, which he consolidated to lead 5-2, capitalising on Sinner’s negative spell.
Sinner appeared to be struggling with his energy levels. Machac, however, faltered when presented with two opportunities to close out the set. Machac made four unforced errors in the eighth game and three more in the tenth. The match returned to equilibrium at 5-5. The set went to a tie-break, which Sinner lost after two forehand errors and a double fault.
Sinner Regroups for Victory
Sinner, still not at his best and struggling with his forehand, managed to regain his serve. He found his range on his groundstrokes. Sinner secured a break in the third game. Machac contributed with three errors, along with a backhand from Sinner.
At 3-2, both players required attention from the physiotherapist. Sinner said he felt a bit weak. He was given another tablet. Machac also requested assistance.
Sinner said the most important thing was to recover well for his next match. He faces Auger-Aliassime next.