Jannik Sinner reaches Paris QFs for first time after win against Cerundolo

World No.2 Jannik Sinner continued his bid to reclaim the number one rankings as he bested Francisco Cerundolo in the ongoing Rolex Paris Masters. The Italian registered a 7-5, 6-1 win against the Argentine in 86 minutes on Thursday.

Sinner had the lead in the opening set but could not take his chances. However, the Italian was delighted with the straight set win as he dominated the second set.

“I was up twice with the break in the first set and I could not convert,” Sinner said. “I put myself in not an easy situation, but I am happy with how I ended the match and I felt much better. Hopefully, it will give me the confidence to start off in a good way tomorrow. Hopefully, I can recover physically, which is my main priority. Today was a great match and a great performance from my side.”

After his win, Sinner became the first Italian to reach the quarter-finals at all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. The 24-year-old has triumphed at Masters 1000s in Miami, Canada, Cincinnati, and Shanghai. Sinner will next take on USA’s Ben Shelton in the quarterfinal clash.

Sinner has a 6-1 head-to-head record against the American on the tour.

On the other hand, Daniil Medvedev claimed a three-set win against Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego by 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4. Medvedev will next take on Alexander Zverev, who won against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in straight sets. 

Zverev is the defending champion in Paris and is chasing his eighth Masters 1000 title this weekend. Medvedev leads Zverev 14-7 in head to head record.