Jannik Sinner wins first match since Aussie Open triumph, Monfils awaits in Rotterdam

Jannik Sinner arrived in Rotterdam last Friday to get ready for his first tournament as a Grand Slam champion.

On Wednesday night at the ABN AMRO Open, the Australian Open title holder picked up right where he left off in moving to 8-0 on the season.

In his opening match of the year, Sinner defeated Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to launch his campaign in Melbourne Park. The world No. 4 once again found himself across the net from the Dutchman and like in January, proved to be a cut above his opponent in securing a 6-3, 6-3 victory.

“We work for this moment, to come back and playing in front of the fans,” the top seed told ATP Media afterwards. “I wanted to come here to feel the court a little bit. Happy about my first win here.”

After breaking Van de Zandschulp twice in the opening set, Sinner recovered from 0-40 down to begin the second set—the only time he was pressured during the contest. He broke minutes later during a five-game run and finished his day with 19 winners to 18 unforced errors.

“It is a little bit different than it was before,” said Sinner. “You have to be prepared as a player, because the opponents they know you better, know your weaknesses a little bit more. You have to work on this.”

The 22-year-old will resume his evening headliner role Thursday, though won’t be the only star attraction on court. For Sinner meets Gael Monfils, who battled past Denis Shapovalov, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (5).

“He’s really dangerous. It doesn’t matter where you play him. He’s a fan favorite, for sure,” Sinner said of the Frenchman.

Monfils celebrated his second win in five matches contested so far in 2024. The 37-year-old won consecutive Rotterdam titles in 2019-20, but will need to put a 1-4 record against Sinner behind him if he wants to move closer to adding a third trophy.

Holger Rune, Alex de Minaur and Grigor Dimitrov were also victorious at the 500-level tournament.

Playing his first match since Boris Becker stepped down as his head coach, the third-seeded Rune overcame Roman Safiullin, 6-4, 2-6, 6-1. Fifth seed De Minaur swept past David Goffin, 6-3, 6-1, and sixth seed Dimitrov defeated Lorenzo Sonego, 7-6 (4), 6-3.