Jannik Sinner recovered from a slow start against world number 173 Tristan Schoolkate to keep his Australian Open title defense on track.
Sinner, who won his first major title in Melbourne last year, had not lost a set since the Shanghai Masters in October.
But the Australian Schoolkate thrilled a partisan crowd at Rod Laver Arena when he struck at 5-4 to win the opener and end Sinner’s 29-match winning streak.
However, the wildcard couldn’t keep pace with the top seed as Sinner moved through the gears to claim a 4-6 6-4 6-1 6-3 victory and a place in the third round.
The 23-year-old is the youngest player to win nine consecutive men’s singles matches at the Australian Open since Novak Djokovic between 2008 and 2009.
When asked how this year was different from his title run, Sinner replied: “It’s a different feeling but so many beautiful moments, on and off the field, have happened to me here. It’s different but I’m taking the opportunity to start again.
“There is still a very, very long way to go. We take it day by day. Given my level today, we know I can improve.
Sinner is competing at the Australian Open for the first time since failing two drug tests in March.
His doping case will be heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) in April after the World Anti-Doping Agency appealed the decision to clear him.
Schoolkate came into this year’s tournament with just two Grand Slam victories under his belt, but he made Sinner look far from his best in the first set.
The two-time major winner struggled to deal with Schoolkate’s aggressive play at the net, with the home favorite winning 17 of his 18 net points to win the opener.
Sinner had to wait 80 minutes for his first break opportunity, but he grabbed it with both hands and everything went smoothly for the defending champion, who will face American Marcos Giron in the third round on Saturday.
