The defense of the title has begun: after the clear victory over Jarry, Sinner will return to the field on Thursday against Schoolkate, number 173 in the world

MELBOURNE. The title defense has begun. Tonight’s victory against the Chilean Nicolas Jarry (in tre set: 7-6, 6-4, 6-1) he showed off one Jannik Sinner in excellent condition: the South American was not an opponent capable of worrying the number 1 in the world but, as we know, the debut in a Grand Slam tournament, even more so if it is the first of the year almost two months after the last official commitment (the Davis Cup Finals), some pitfalls can hide it.

Trifles, however, for the champion from Sesto who in the first set took the measure of his opponent (dominating the tie break) and then led the operations without any particular problems and, above all, giving the sensation of having absolutely not pushed to the maximum.

Now for the champion from Sesto it is already time to think about the second round: Sinner will return to the field on Thursday (the time is still to be defined, given that the “order of play” has not yet been communicated) to face the “master of house” Tristan Schoolkate, number 173 in the world, who overtook the Japanese Taro Daniel.

There is no precedent between the two: it will be an unprecedented challenge for Sinner, who shows off in Australia a new “outfit”, created specifically by Nikethe technical sponsor with which it has a ten-year agreement for a total of 150 million dollarswhich focused on the yellow colour for the first Slam of the season.

Schoolkate there doesn’t appear to be an opponent capable of worrying the South Tyrolean, who can’t wait to get into the “heart” of the tournament: already in the 16th round there could be the derby with Cobolli or the challenge against the Argentine Etcheverry.

Meanwhile, the first round of the Australian Open has already claimed an excellent victim: number 11 in the world Tsitsipas was in fact eliminated by Michelsen, 42 part ranking.