Jannik Sinner’s debut at the 2026 Italian International Championships was good. The world number one beat the Austrian Sebastian Ofner (n.82 ATP) on his debut with a score of 6-3 6-4 in an hour and 40 minutes of play.
Total control
Match managed from start to finish by the South Tyrolean, last edition’s finalist and in search of the last Masters 1000 still missing. A solid performance that confirms the current form of the Italian champion.
Record numbers
With this success Sinner reaches 29 consecutive victories in Masters 1000 tournaments, equaling Roger Federer in third place in the all-time rankings. Only Novak Djokovic’s records remain ahead (31 and 30 consecutive victories).
For Sinner, it is also the 24th success of the season: the Italian has not lost a match since the ATP 500 in Doha 2026.
Next opponent
In the third round the world number one will face the winner of the match between Alexei Popyrin and Jakub Mensik, the latter player capable of beating him in the quarterfinals of the Doha tournament.
The words of the blue
“Now we need to raise the level.” Jannik Sinner has no doubts after his winning debut against Sebastian Ofner at the Foro Italico. The first one was good for the world no.1 who took advantage of a break per set, gaining the pass to the third round. «The first matches are always the most complicated, I’m happy to be here and the goal is to go as far as possible», he adds to the open applause of the Central team. A warmth that goes straight to Jannik’s heart, because “for us Italians this is always one of the most important tournaments of the year”.
And in Rome we have to defend last year’s final. «Last season was incredible and I’m playing well this season too – he continues -. Then the most important thing is to be happy on the pitch and thanks to the fans it’s easier.” More applause and chants, before saying goodbye and leaving the pitch. «I feel satisfied – he says analyzing the match -. At this level all games are difficult. The evening conditions made his game difficult, it wasn’t an easy day but I felt solid on the pitch. I think today was positive.” Finally, he adds: «In today’s tennis it is important to move your opponent, but it always depends on how you feel on the court. I often looked for the down the line change on his forehand because it was the area where I could hurt him the most. I tried not to give him any reference points in response, then I didn’t serve very well but the conditions in the evening were different.” Now see you on Monday, when Sinner will return to the field.