Jannik Sinner got a step closer to defending his title at the Australian Open. The Italian defeated local boy Tristan Schoolkate 4-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-3. After losing the first set, the World No.1 came back stronger and clinched the other three sets with finesse.

During the on-court interview, conducted by American tennis legend John McEnroe, an amusing moment unfolded. Known for his fiery temperament during his playing days, McEnroe posed a lighthearted yet intriguing question to Sinner.

“I am pretty emotional. Generally, I have been to Italy, and Italians express themselves. You are able to control yourself so well. I wanna know how you do it?” McEnroe asked.

Sinner, known for his cool-headed approach on the court, responded with a witty remark that left McEnroe and the crowd in splits.

“We can say that we are a bit different, me and you (laughs). But it shows that everyone is different, everyone has their own mentality, I have mine, and I have to say I am quite happy with my one.”

His response, delivered with a smirk, was met with laughter from both McEnroe and the audience. The exchange showcased not only Sinner’s composure but also his humour, making for an entertaining post-match moment.

Jannik Sinner Will Face Marcos Giron in the Third Round

The World No.1 will have to face America’s Marcos Giron on his way to the title hunt. In the two rounds till now, Sinner has been clinical and has not given his opponents a single opportunity to win the match. With his confidence soaring and his game looking sharper than ever, Sinner will aim to continue his dominant run in Melbourne.

Giron who is coming from a hard-fought battle with the Argentine, Tomas Martin Etcheverry [7-5, 3-6. 7-5, 3-6, 6-4]. He has been in good form recently and has shown tremendous improvement in his game. This is the farthest he has come into the Australian Open. The American had a decent warm-up tournament before heading to the Grand Slam. At the Adelaide International, he reached the quarter-finals where he lost to Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime [6-7, 3-6]. But he defeated two very good players, Denis Shapovalov and Aleksandar Vukic, and that form is very well being transferred to the major.

Fans can expect another thrilling contest as the Italian eyes a deep run in the tournament. The match is set to take place on January 18.