Australian Open: Impressive Sinner passes Khachanov test

Jannik Sinner, the No 4 seed, won against Russian Karen Khachanov, the No 15 seed, 6-4, 7-5, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open at Melbourne Park.

The Italian, who finished 2023 by defeating world No 1 Novak Djokovic twice in the span of 10 days, has passed his first real test at the year’s first Grand Slam. Khachanov, a semi-finalist at the Australian Open last year, did not lie down and hand victory to Sinner. The 22-year-old went on Margaret Court Arena and wrested it from the Russian’s hands on Sunday.

Sinner blasted an impressive 46 winners in the three-set victory, nearly twice those of his opponent. He wasn’t perfect, with 34 unforced errors (five more than Khachanov), but made up for it by creating eight break point opportunities, and capitalising on five of them. Khachanov, meanwhile, could only break Sinner’s serve once, from 10 chances.

Sinner extends head-to-head against Khachanov

“We haven’t played for a few years,” said Sinner after the match. “But last time we played it was on here this court and it was a very tough match. Usually it’s a tough match, he’s an incredible player.”

Sinner and Khachanov have met three times previously, with the Italian winning their two most recent meetings.

“Sometimes I think back,” the 22-year-old laughed, reflecting on how challenging his recent meetings with Khachanov have been. “But still, every match has it’s own story. Today I won, so I’m very very happy.

“But obviously it’s very tough to play against him. We have similar styles, both hit very flat, so it’s kind of like ping pong,” he continued.

Sinner, ranked No 4, will face the winner of the match between Australian Alex De Minaur, the No 10 seed, and Russian Andrey Rublev, the No 5 seed, next.

The 22-year-old Italian defeated Dutchman Botic van de Zandschulp (6-4, 7-5, 6-3), Dutch qualifier Jesper De Jong (6-2, 6-2, 6-2) and Argentinian Sebastian Baez, the No 26 seed (6-0, 6-1, 6-3) in the previous rounds.

Earlier in the tournament, Khachanov, ranked No 15, beat German Daniel Altmaier (5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (3)), American qualifier Aleksandar Kovacevic (6-4, 6-3, 4-6, 6-3) and Tomas Machac (6-4, 7-6 (4), 4-6, 7-6 (5)).

Melbourne (Grand Slam), other last 16 results (Melbourne Park, hard, USD 58.910.000, most recent results first):

• Miomir Kecmanovic vs. Carlos Alcaraz
• Alexander Zverev vs. Cameron Norrie
• Arthur Cazaux vs. Hubert Hurkacz
• Nuno Borges vs. Daniil Medvedev
• Alex De Minaur vs. Andrey Rublev
• Taylor Fritz (12) beat Stefanos Tsitsipas (7): 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-3, 6-3
• Novak Djokovic (1) beat Adrian Mannarino (20): 6-0, 6-0, 6-3