Competing for the first time since lifting his first Wimbledon title, world no. 1 Jannik Sinner made a stunning debut in Cincinnati. The defending champion ousted a qualifier Daniel Elahi Galan 6-1, 6-1 in the second round.
The Italian had the upper hand fro start to finish, dictating the pace on the fast hard court and sealing the deal in 59 minutes. Thus, Jannik secured his personal record, delivering his fastest ATP win in completed matches.
In 2019, Sinner ousted Mikael Ymer at the Next Gen ATP Finals in 56 minutes. However, it was a different format with shorter sets.
The Italian produced brutal numbers in his service games, losing six points and saving the only break point while serving for the opener at 5-1. Elahi Galan felt the pressure and cracked under it.
The Colombian landed in 54% of the first serve and lost 56% of the points in his games. Sinner created 13 break chances and converted five, controlling the scoreboard and racing over the top.
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Jannik tamed his strokes nicely and fired 20 winners and 12 unforced errors, mixing his shots well and adding drop shots to his arsenal. The Italian hit 19 service winners and forged a vast 31-9 lead from the baseline against the powerless rival.
World no. 1 outplayed his opponent in the shortest and mid-range rallies, taking charge and presenting his career-fastest victory. Sinner found his momentum right from the start.
He geld at love in the first game, grabbed a break in the second and drew the rival's mistake at 2-0 for another hold at love. Daniel netted a routine forehand in the fourth game and experienced a break at love.
Jannik painted a forehand winner in game five, providing his third straight hold at love and moving 5-0 up after 15 minutes. Daniel Elahi ended his downfall in the sixth game and created his only break point at 1-5.
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The Italian saved it with a service winner and converted a set point with a half-volley winner for 6-1 after swift 26 minutes. The favorite served well in the second set and kept the pressure on the other side.
Sinner clinched a break in the first game with a deep return and cemented it with a service winner a few moments later for 2-0. Daniel denied five break points in the third game and avoided a bagel.
Jannik held at 15 in the fourth game before generating three break chances in the next one. He converted the last with a forehand winner and forged a 4-1 lead. The Italian held at love for 5-1 and made another push on the return in game seven.
He landed a perfect drop shot winner on a match point, sealing the deal in style and racing into the third round.
